The President of the Republic of Ireland has vowed to focus on her country's poor and marginalized communities as she took the oath of office for a second seven-year term.
At inauguration ceremonies in Dublin, President Mary McAleese pledged to turn her attention to problems facing working-class and immigrant communities on the margins of her country's economic boom.
Prime Minister Bertie Ahern praised Ms. McAleese for what he called her civic spirit and distinguished service.
The 53-year-old lawyer is the first Irish head of state to come from the British province of Northern Ireland. Irish law allows people born in either the Republic or the north to seek the presidency.
Ms. McAleese, Ireland's second female president, was re-elected without opposition earlier this year.
Some information for this story provided by Reuters and AP.
At inauguration ceremonies in Dublin, President Mary McAleese pledged to turn her attention to problems facing working-class and immigrant communities on the margins of her country's economic boom.
Prime Minister Bertie Ahern praised Ms. McAleese for what he called her civic spirit and distinguished service.
The 53-year-old lawyer is the first Irish head of state to come from the British province of Northern Ireland. Irish law allows people born in either the Republic or the north to seek the presidency.
Ms. McAleese, Ireland's second female president, was re-elected without opposition earlier this year.
Some information for this story provided by Reuters and AP.