IRELAND IS determined to remain part of the “ambitious and noble enterprise” that is the European Union, President Mary McAleese has said on an official visit to Bulgaria.
Speaking at a state dinner hosted by Bulgarian president Georgi Parvanov last night, Mrs McAleese noted that Irish people have consistently ranked among the most enthusiastic supporters of the EU. “We value the union because we recognise its capacity for releasing our country’s potential and our continent’s potential, and the Irish people are determined to remain part of this ambitious and noble enterprise, which has delivered so many benefits during its short 50-year history.”
Mrs McAleese reflected on how much had changed in Europe in her lifetime. “Gone are the old suspicions based on fear and ideology; a divided continent is now reunited from the Atlantic to the Black Sea and we now work together in a Europe that is free and at peace, that is founded on shared values and principles, and that enjoys the benefits of the rule of good law,” she said.
“Today we face a global financial and economic crisis that is without precedent in our lifetimes and which will leave no country unaffected. I do not underestimate the scale of the problems we face. In Irish, we say ‘Ní neart go chur le chéile’ – strength lies in co-operation – and it is only by acting together that we can hope to find the mighty strength needed to overcome the great challenges before us.”
Earlier during a meeting with Mr Parvanov and Bulgaria’s prime minister Sergei Stanishev, Mrs McAleese discussed bilateral relations between the two countries. Mr Stanishev emphasised the importance of ratifying the Lisbon Treaty, which was rejected by Irish voters last June.
Today, the President will speak on the growing ties between Ireland and Bulgaria during an address at St Kliment Ohridski University in Sofia. She will also address a business lunch hosted by Enterprise Ireland, and will later attend a reception for the Irish community in Bulgaria.
Mrs McAleese will return to Dublin tomorrow evening. She is due to attend the World Cup qualifier between Ireland and Bulgaria at Croke Park on Saturday.