OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Dr. Ian Paisley Visits OPW Sites in Dublin and Meath
Wednesday June 9th 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Paisley and his wife Eileen paid a recent three day private visit to Dublin. They first visited the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge, and the military exhibition of Irish soldiers serving abroad at the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks. Following the welcome given to him in the Distinguished Visitors’ Gallery in the Dáil and a meeting with the Taoiseach Mr. Brian Cowen, the Paisleys had lunch with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in the National Botanic Gardens, OPW, followed by a visit to Glasnevin Cemetery, including the war memorials, where there was a Bible reading, and the O’Connell monument. The following day, Friday, they had lunch with President Mary McAleese in Áras an Uachtaráin.
Minister Mansergh later welcomed the party, which also included historian Dr. Ian Adamson, to the site of the historic Battle of the Boyne, at Oldbridge, Co Meath, recalling the special occasion of Dr. Paisley’s first official visit on 11 May 2007, just three days after he was appointed First Minister of Northern Ireland. On that occasion, he planted a commemorative tree (Walnut – Juglans Regia). Dr. Paisley returned a year later, on 6 May 2008, to open officially the new OPW Visitor Centre based in Oldbridge House jointly with the then Taoiseach on his last full day in office.
Minister Mansergh again showed Dr. Paisley the tree, which is thriving in its position in the Walled Garden, and recalled those previous historic occasions, of which there is a photographic record in the Visitor Centre in Oldbridge House. Dr. Paisley said he was delighted to see that the site was proving such a success as a visitor and tourism attraction, something he encouraged and supported, considering that it symbolises the shared history of all of Ireland.
Minister Mansergh presented Dr. Paisley with a signed copy of a guidebook, Battle of the Boyne : the Irish Campaign for the English Crown, by Michael McNally. Dr. Paisley, Lady Paisley and the Minister then signed a framed photograph, marking the May 2007 visit, for display at the Visitor Centre.
Commenting on the entire visit, Dr. Mansergh said: "Their visit to Dublin, while private and low-key, is a landmark in the improving relations on this island. Dr. Paisley wanted to underline what we have in common, including shared sacrifices on the battlefield, notwithstanding important differences that will remain."
Ends.
For further information contact Kevin Kennedy, OPW Press Office, (01) 647 6159 or (087) 930 3888
Photo: (L-R) Dr. Martin Mansergh, TD, Minister of State, Dr. Ian Paisley, MLA., Baroness Eileen Paisley., Dr. Ian Adamson