The peace process in Northern Ireland is becoming a global example of success in a year that terrorism brought grief to the world, President Mary McAleese said today.
The year 2001 would always be remembered for the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States, Mrs McAleese said in her Christmas message.
There was growing fear and sorrow in America following September 11th, she said, adding: "As Christmas approaches, our thoughts go to the injured, the bereaved and those whose hearts are filled with dread.
"We pray that they will find consolation and peace of mind in the spirit of this season with its gentle message of the transcendent power of love."
In Ireland, meanwhile, the "push towards permanent peace and real partnership" had moved into a "reassuring phase", she said.
"In Ireland, we who have known decades of conflict are on the way to becoming a light to the world," she went on.
"At last it seems a new generation is poised to experience the energy and the success that comes from working together and from sharing the island with generosity, tolerance and mutual respect."
Mrs McAleese, who as a child was forced to flee North Belfast with her family because of sectarian conflict, said there were still obstacles in the way of achieving permanent peace.
"But there is, in the hearts of many people, a commitment to peace so strong and resilient that the days of doubt are fast disappearing," she said.
The challenges ahead of Ireland and the introduction of the euro on January 1st made the country "and exciting and dynamic place", said the President, who gave her blessing to a wealth of volunteers from different agencies who gave their services to the country in the last year.
PA