Menu
28/01/2009
President Welcomed On Shankill
On the eve of the publication of a ground-breaking report on dealing with The Troubles legacy, Irish President Mary McAleese has been doing her own bit for reconciliation in Belfast.
She has been welcomed at a Church of Ireland centre near the city's 'Peace Line' which is still separating the mainly nationalist Falls Road and loyalist Shankill Road in west Belfast.
This is itself ground-breaking as it is the first time that the President has attended a function in this area.
Building bridges was a role identified by Mary McAleese when she was elected President in 1997.
She was driven along the Shankill Road, past loyalist paramilitary murals, to Saint Luke's Church of Ireland building, close to the gates leading to the nationalist Falls Road, which are still closed each night.
Two years ago, after President McAleese's comments at a Holocaust commemoration ceremony were slammed, a proposed visit by the President to a school in the Shankill area was cancelled.
But yesterday afternoon, President McAleese was welcomed by loyalist communities as she heard about their hopes to establish a cross-community centre in the area.
(BMcC/JM)
She has been welcomed at a Church of Ireland centre near the city's 'Peace Line' which is still separating the mainly nationalist Falls Road and loyalist Shankill Road in west Belfast.
This is itself ground-breaking as it is the first time that the President has attended a function in this area.
Building bridges was a role identified by Mary McAleese when she was elected President in 1997.
She was driven along the Shankill Road, past loyalist paramilitary murals, to Saint Luke's Church of Ireland building, close to the gates leading to the nationalist Falls Road, which are still closed each night.
Two years ago, after President McAleese's comments at a Holocaust commemoration ceremony were slammed, a proposed visit by the President to a school in the Shankill area was cancelled.
But yesterday afternoon, President McAleese was welcomed by loyalist communities as she heard about their hopes to establish a cross-community centre in the area.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
15 November 2024
Ministers Unite To Promote Road Safety
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative. Ministers have come together to record a video encouraging the public to take responsibility and care on the roads.
Ministers Unite To Promote Road Safety
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative. Ministers have come together to record a video encouraging the public to take responsibility and care on the roads.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
