Speaking after the announcement that Mary McAleese is to stand for the Presidency of Ireland again, Alliance Party leader David Ford MLA stated:
“When she was first nominated as candidate for the Presidency Mary McAleese was seen by many as a representative of Fianna Fail. Over seven years she has built on the work of Mary Robinson in developing the role of President. She has been far more than simply the Head of State.
“In an informal way President McAleese, supported by her husband, has worked to build better relations across all elements of society in Ireland, north and south. She has promoted reconciliation throughout these islands, and I wish her well in her continuing work.”