The Government's ail presidential candidate, Prof Mary McAleese, formally launched her campaign yesterday insisting that she could build bridges between communities, and even had the support of many unionists. In response to suggestions that a President McAleese reaching out to unionists might not be as welcomed by some as was President Robinson, she said she had received "literally a mountain of correspondence and phone calls" from across the unionist spectrum, from "right into the heart of the Ulster Unionist Party, telling me how delighted they are and wishing me well in this candidacy".
At the launch and a press conference in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, Prof McAleese spoke several times of embracing and building bridges. She turned to the US for inspiration: like Dr Martin Luther King she had a dream; like President Clinton, she wanted a bridge to the new millenium.
"Many have asked why I use words like embrace, love and hope about the Presidency," she said. "I make no apology for using such words. Ireland needs them."
Today Prof McAleese will embark on her first campaign tour, spending the day canvassing in Co Louth, and Navan, Co Meath. She may come across her Fine Gael opponent, Ms Mary Banotti, who will also tour Louth tomorrow.