President Mary McAleese has paid tribute during a one-day visit to Belfast to the "fearlessness" and "huge commitment" of the Northern Ireland Bar. She was speaking at the official opening of the refurbished library and inn of court at the city's High Court building.
The President said she was "privileged" to perform the official opening of "these beautiful and impressive facilities". The profession had grown tenfold over the last three decades and that level of development had posed formidable challenges.
She added: "I take great personal pride in the fearlessness of the Bar of Northern Ireland, in its huge commitment to the public it serves, its legacy of sacrifice even of life itself and its determination to be the best it possibly can be."
A barrister by profession, Mrs McAleese said it was "right to remember all those who created here a culture of collegiality and solidarity that withstood awesomely difficult times".
She also visited a hostel for homeless men on the Divis Road.