IRELAND: Leaders from the European Union's 25 member-states marked the union's enlargement on Saturday at a flag-raising ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin that emphasised the continent's healing after more than half a century of war and ideological division.
Standing in brilliant sunshine before the great Portland stone portico of the Áras, the President, Mrs McAleese, described the occasion as "a landmark day" for the people of Europe.
"We belong to Europe's most fortunate generations for we are witnesses to the unfolding of the future the union's founding fathers dreamed of. And we are more than mere witnesses, mere spectators. We are called to be the creators, developers and nurturers of that future," she said.
Describing the EU's potential as limitless, Mrs McAleese said that Europeans would transcend their differences through respectful dialogue and consensus.
"Each member-state brings to the union the unique genius and heritage of its people - 25 fascinating faces of Europe's rich history, 450 million people putting their trust in each other. Today we give our children the gift of the biggest European Union ever. Tomorrow we hope they and their children will craft the best," she said.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, spoke of the destruction and division out of which the EU emerged and of the hard won achievements of the 25 peoples.
"From war we have created peace. From hatred we have created respect. From division we have created union. From dictatorship and oppression we have created vibrant and sturdy democracies. From poverty we have created prosperity," he said.
Mr Ahern said that the EU could not be compared to anything that preceded it and that enlargement was the best testimony to its success. "We will construct closer partnerships, deeper union, enhanced democracy, greater equality and even greater prosperity and well-being."
The Nobel laureate, Seamus Heaney, read a poem he wrote for the occasion.
As the Alpha Quintet played An Chuallainn, 26 Irish children with family links to the other member-states presented the leaders with their national flags. Mrs McAleese received the tricolour and the Taoiseach, in his role as President of the European Council, accepted the European flag.
Some 26 army cadets raised the national flags, followed by the blue and yellow flag of the EU and the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir sang Beethoven's Ode to Joy, the EU anthem. The ceremony, which was devised by the Army with staff from Áras an Uachtaráin, was introduced by Mr Eugene Downes.
Observers and participants, including the British prime minister, Mr Tony Blair, praised the event as striking a gentle, almost contemplative note that was in tune with the occasion. "I've been going to European events for seven years now and I honestly can't remember a display that was more impressive and more moving," he said.
After the ceremony, Mr Ahern hosted a dinner for the leaders at Farmleigh, where they were joined by the European Commission president, Mr Romano Prodi, the president of the European Parliament, Mr Pat Cox, and the EU's foreign policy chief, Mr Javier Solana.
It was followed by music from the traditional group Altan, with the uilleann piper Liam O'Flynn, flute player Matt Molloy, fiddler Paddy Glackin, singer and percussionist Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and the harpist Louise Kelly. Germany's chancellor, Mr Gerhard Schröder danced a brief jig.
Most leaders left Dublin late on Saturday evening.
