Delargy hails President Catherine Connolly visit as ‘momentous occasion of pride’ carried out with ‘characteristic decorum’
Pádraig Delargy has described President Catherine Connolly’s first official visit to Derry last week as ‘a momentous occasion of pride and significance across our society’.
President Connolly’s ‘landslide electoral victory’ last November came as a result of her ‘positive and progressive vision,’ the Foyle MLA told the Stormont Assembly.
"The president committed to lead from the front, in word and deed, to represent the voices of all Irish citizens. I had the pleasure of welcoming her to a number of functions in Derry.
"She met business and civic leaders in our Guildhall before meeting the families of those murdered and injured on Bloody Sunday. The president spoke with compassion, understanding and an appreciation of what the Bloody Sunday families have endured and their role in inspiring others to stand up and demand truth and justice.
"President Connolly also visited the Siege Museum, recognising that, for many from a traditionally unionist background, that represents a significant space,” said the local Sinn Féin representative.
He said the President’s trip to Derry was characterised by dignity and respect.
"Her visit symbolised the inclusion and mutual respect that must be afforded to all communities. Every person with whom I spoke talked of an t-uachtarán's humility, of how she took time to listen and of a real sense of pride and confidence in her leadership.
"Catherine Connolly pledged to be a president for all, and her visit to the North reflects that. She carried out her leadership in a dignified manner with her characteristic decorum. Our society would be a much better place if more people showed the same dignity and respect as Catherine Connolly,” he said.