Speaking in conversation with Prof Graeme Roy, Dean of External Engagement and Assistant Vice-Principal, Mary opened the event by reflecting on the times she met with Donald Dewar, shortly after he became First Minister of Scotland, and the strong ties that Scotland and Ireland have always shared.

During the discussion Mary also discussed her philosophy of ‘building bridges’ - a fundamental theme of her presidency. She explained that building bridges is about friendship and learning to be a good neighbour, a valuable lesson not only for relations across Ireland but also across Europe.

Mary also spoke fondly of the late Queen and the subtle yet powerful role that she played in helping to build bridges between the UK and Ireland. She explained why 2011’s four day state visit was hugely significant. Flying into Casement Aerodrome, which was named after Roger Casement, the visit to Croke Park, and paying her respects at the Garden of Remembrance were all gestures that helped to win people over. Mary recalled a letter she received from a life-long republican who said that despite reservations about the visit, by the end of the four days she wished the Queen well and described the visit as being ‘choreographed by angels’.

As the event drew to a close, Mary took the opportunity to share her advice for younger generations, encouraging them to ‘be patiently impatient’. She explained that while an idea may be ‘good and have integrity’, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will happen. It needs you to be driven and have staying power. She closed the discussion by reminding us all to think long-term - ‘I might not live to see it grow but, by God, I will plant that seed'.

Watch the full recording of the Donald Dewar Memorial Lecture with Prof Mary McAleese:

 

The Stevenson Trust for Citizenship

The Donald Dewar Memorial Lecture is led by the Stevenson Trust for Citizenship.

The Stevenson Trust was established in 1921 by a bequest to the University of Glasgow from Sir Daniel Macaulay Stevenson to fund a Lectureship in Citizenship.‎

Since 2006 the Trust has promoted a series of annual lectures on citizenship themes. These are held at the University of Glasgow and open to academics, students and the general public.

Speakers have included Professor Sir Bernard Crick and other politicians, academics, political theorists, journalists, educators and cultural commentators.

The Trust also supports a number of other activities concerned with citizenship, such as conferences and events for schools.

 

First published: 1 May 2024

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