All of the economic analysts and the commentators tell us that we have never had it so good. Wealth-creation, employment, the output of goods and services, access to credit and the acquisition of material possessions are all growing steadily. And all the indicators are that we can look forward to further prosperity.

In tandem with that prosperity, the pace and pressure of modern life are accelerating and bringing fundamental changes to society. These changes impact on every individual, family, community. While policy-makers confront the pressing challenges of the day, fundamental questions need to be asked about the long-term trends in society and how they impact on our traditions, values and quality of life.

Given our economic and cultural achievements in recent years we are very well placed to plan for the future and to influence the shape of society and the lifestyle that the next generation will enjoy. While all of us are aware of the relentless efforts made by Government with the social partners to tackle the problems of disadvantage through a variety of special measures and programmes, the problems of exclusion and marginalisation still remain for some and, paradoxically, can be made more acute because of the high rate of development.

It is important therefore that we maintain the focus on meeting the requirements of the most needy in our society, who can feel that they are on the outside, without a voice or a real input to the decision-making process that affects their everyday lives.

This is a time for vision and a time for hope. We see how much has been achieved in Northern Ireland in recent months that has given real hope of a lasting peace on our island, where reconciliation and community work created the climate for political leaders to take bold steps, to make compromises and to hold their nerve in the run-up to the Good Friday agreement.

For the first time we have reached a comprehensive agreement between all the people of Ireland and Britain about our political future, embracing our identities and aspirations. It has transformed the situation and led to a new mood of optimism.

The referendum of May 22nd was the first occasion since 1918 when the people of Ireland voted together to decide their political future, and the massive endorsement has given the agreement and the people the strength to move forward with conviction and determination.

It does not threaten traditions, identity or political aspirations. In reaching this comprehensive political agreement, all sides can be winners. In all this work of formulating, implementing and building on the agreement, the continued support and encouragement from overseas has been vital. We know that our friends across the world have willed us to succeed.

Against the background of constant change in Ireland, individuals and groups throughout the country are working for the development of their communities. Many will be familiar with the work of John Canon Hayes, who founded Muintir na Tire over 60 years ago with the aim of eliminating conflict and sectional interests in favour of a unified community-based approach to resolving problems.

We have a long and proud tradition of community activity in Ireland. We take great pride in our origins and our sense of loyalty to the people and the place from which we come. It is not at all surprising that this should express itself in the form of voluntary and community service. Given the rapidly changing social and economic situation, particularly in rural areas, this commitment is even more relevant and valuable today.

We often think of society as a block of people all sharing the same ideals and beliefs. In reality, of course, the truth is very different. Society is an association of individuals with varying ideas, beliefs and views, who live and work together in co-operation for the common good.

While culture or historical experience may create a common identity it should not be at the expense of minority groups or the individual. The recognition of group and individual identities is essential to underpinning a society based on equality and social justice.

This is an edited version of an address given by President McAleese at the opening of the recent "Are We Forget- ting Something?" conference in Ennis, Co Clare. It was organised by Father Harry Bohan and a team from the Rural Resource Development group, of which he is chairman.