BATTLE OF BOYNE: AHERN SPEECH:THE BATTLE of the Boyne site, which for so long was a symbol of division, would in time come to symbolise how the two great traditions on the island of Ireland could live in harmony, outgoing Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said at the official opening of the site.
Mr Ahern, who with Northern Ireland First Minister Rev Ian Paisley officially opened the interpretive centre at the battle location yesterday, spoke of his hope and confidence of a future peaceful Ireland.
"The fact that we have come together here shows us once again that our history need not divide us," he told more than 1,500 people who attended the ceremony, including many Orange Order members wearing their traditional collarettes.
"In recent years, many of us from the nationalist tradition have come to a greater appreciation of the history, traditions and identity of those of you from the unionist tradition with whom we share this island," he said.
"We have come to understand the pride you take in your history and to recognise that your history is our history too.
"We need - all of us - to understand our shared history if we are to build a shared future. The principles and ideals that we hold dear are the same - liberty and equality, democracy and peace. If we hold fast to those shared ideals, our children will have an inheritance to treasure."
In greeting the visitors, Mr Ahern said he particularly wanted to welcome those from the Protestant, unionist and loyalist tradition. "This place, for so long a symbol of division, will in years to come symbolise a coming together of the two great traditions on this island, a place where we can learn about and share our common history, and in this glorious setting enjoy this wonderful facility," he said.
Mr Ahern said when he and Dr Paisley met at the Boyne site in May last year it was an occasion of enormous historical resonance and significance that marked the end of centuries of mistrust and division. "It marked the beginning of what I firmly believe will be a new era of tolerance, of respect and of friendship. It was a true turning point."
Mr Ahern said he and Dr Paisley, who will shortly stand down as DUP leader and First Minister, soon would be embarking on new beginnings. He praised Dr Paisley for his leadership in agreeing last May to share power with Sinn Féin and the other main parties at Stormont. He thanked Dr Paisley for helping lay the foundations for a peaceful future in the North and for his courtesy and friendship.
Concluding his speech, Mr Ahern said: "In the future, let us respect each other and our different identities. In the future, let us value each other and our rich traditions. In the future, let us understand each other and our shared history. Let us work together for all of the people of this island. Let us be reconciled with each other. Let us be friends. Let us live in peace."
