Permanent peace and real partnership have moved into a reassuring phase in Ireland, the President, Mrs McAleese, says in her Christmas message.
"At last, it seems a new generation is poised to experience the energy and the success that comes from working together and from sharing this island with generosity, tolerance and mutual respect.
"We know it will not all be plain sailing, but there is in the hearts of many people a commitment to peace, so strong and so resilient that the days of doubt are fast disappearing.
"I offer my gratitude and encouragement to the men and women who are creating the trust and the friendships which eluded us in the past, but which are the building blocks of the future."
Mrs McAleese paid tribute to the "wealth of wonderful volunteers, who give their time and talents to bring hope and help to neighbours and strangers alike.
"Our volunteers bring a lot of goodness and kindness into homes and communities not just in Ireland but across the globe.
"I hope that one of the things that we as a people will continue to offer to each other and to the stranger is the warm welcome that lifts the heart and makes a person feel special, feel included.
"May the wide happy embrace of the infant born in a humble stable in Bethlehem inspire and challenge us and, at this holy time, I wish our Irish family everywhere a peaceful Christmas and prosperous New Year.