Official report on Irish president's reception for Fr Michael Sinnott

President McAleese hosts reception for Fr Michael Sinnott

This report is from the official website of the President of Ireland. The official residence of the president is known as ‘Áras an Uachtaráin’, the Irish for 'Residence of the President'. It is usually referred to as 'the Áras'. The Irish presidency is mainly a ceremonial job. As far as I know, Ireland is the only country where the people directly elect a ceremonial head of state who has no involvement whatever in government. President Mary McAleese was elected president in 1997. After her first seven-year term she was unopposed in 2004. She will not be eiligible for a third term. 

On 15th December 2009, President McAleese was delighted to host a reception to celebrate the release of Fr Michael Sinnott from captivity in the Philippines together with his family and friends and representatives of the agencies who supported him and helped secure his release.

At the reception, the President said

'Fr Michael, I was struck when talking to you by phone soon after your release how forgiving you were and how anxious to simply get back to work with the minimum of fuss.

The President continued,

'Instead of cursing your captors and your captivity you took comfort in the times they were good to you and delighted in the fact that despite living in awful circumstances your health held up well. Your positivity and ability to count your blessings in dire circumstances are inspirational and timely in your homeland. You arrive home in time to celebrate a very important birthday on Thursday. From all of us may you have the happiest of birthdays, the happiest of Christmases, ad multos annos.'

At the Áras, Fr Sinnott was invited to blow out the candles on a cake made especially in honour of his forthcoming 80th birthday.

President Mary McAleese and Fr Michael Sinnott