Unionist politicians and loyalist community activists have welcomed the decision by the President, Mrs McAleese, to postpone a visit to a Shankill Road school while on a scheduled visit to Belfast on Thursday.
There was general agreement that a visit to Edenbrook Primary School on the Shankill at this time would be inappropriate because of the continuing fallout from her recent comments that appeared to compare Nazi treatment of the Jews with some Protestant parents engendering distrust of Catholics in their children.
While she apologised for these remarks, such was the strength of unionist reaction there was concern that a visit to the Shankill on Thursday could trigger protests and damage the outreach work in which she and her husband, Dr Martin McAleese, have been engaged with loyalists.
DUP Assembly members Mr Nigel Dodds, Ms Diane Dodds and Mr Nelson McCausland, whose area of representation takes in west and north Belfast, said her remarks caused enormous offence. "By insulting an entire community, Mary McAleese not only did severe damage to her own reputation but she opened deep wounds which only time can heal," they said.
"It remains to be seen whether the Irish President can recover from this appalling incident. However, in the meantime, the Shankill area has been spared the difficulties and divisions which a visit at this time would undoubtedly have caused," the Assembly members added.
Ulster Unionist MLA Mr Fred Cobain and UUP councillor Dr Chris McGimpsey said the President's decision was "sensible".
Mr Cobain said: "I am glad to see that common sense has prevailed. I think it is now important for all involved to step back and take a more circumspect and considered view."
Added Dr McGimpsey: "I welcome the decision of the Irish President to act upon the overwhelming mood of local residents and cancel her visit. This is the sensible position to take."
