Uachtarán Na hÉireann
President of Ireland

11 May 2011

Dr. Ian Adamson

Dear Ian,

I am very sorry to hear that the outcome of the recent local elections means that you will not a member of the incoming Belfast City Council. You have been such a strong voice for respect, mutual understanding and human decency that your constructive contribution and benign influence will be greatly missed in the Council chamber.

Whatever wider political forces were at play, I know that the outcome of the elections did not constitute a judgement on your personal performance or contribution. You enjoy a deserved reputation for advancing the cause of peace and reconciliation on this island and, through your learning, for deepening mutual understanding between the two main historic traditions. Whatever path you chose to follow in public life, I hope you will continue to advance this critical work.

On a personal level, I wish to thank you for your role in advancing contact and dialogue with key figures within the unionist leadership. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet in the coming months. In the meantime, Martin and I send you and Kerry our best personal regards.

Yours sincerely,

Mary McAleese
President

Ed: Blog links

Columbanus lunch report: Part 2, by James O'Fee, Wednesday, December 1. 2010