It has perhaps always been the case that the waging of peace is the hardest form of leadership of all.

This new power, which has proved itself to be such a terrifying weapon of destruction, is harnessed for the first time for the common good of our community.

Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of family disagreements.

They are not royal. They just happen to have me as their aunt.

Madam President, speaking here in Dublin Castle it is impossible to ignore the weight of history, as it was yesterday when you and I laid wreaths at the Garden of Remembrance.

We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.

The lessons from the peace process are clear; whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load.