Ceremony: Economic success cannot be the sole aim of the Republic, the President, Mrs McAleese, has said in her inauguration speech for a second seven-year term.
In Dublin Castle yesterday the President said a good opportunity existed "to take stock and reflect" on the changes that have taken place in recent years.
"We know our current economic success cannot be an ambition in itself but a route to one of our primary ambitions as a nation - to bring prosperity and security to every single citizen," she said.
The Republic was now one of the world's most successful countries "with a rags-to-riches, conflict-to-peace story" which inspired many around the world.
The inauguration was attended by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the Cabinet; TDs and senators; former presidents Dr Patrick Hillery and Mrs Mary Robinson; former taoisigh Dr Garret FitzGerald and Mr Liam Cosgrave; the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Murray, and other members of the Supreme Court; the president of the High Court, Mr Justice Finnegan, and High Court colleagues; and members of the Council of State.
In her speech, the President said: "We are busier than ever, harder to please, less heedful of the traditional voices of moral guidance and almost giddy with greater freedom and choice. Our Constitution is an important ethical compass directing us to a practical patriotism, to promote the common good, to choose responsible citizenship over irresponsible individualism."
Mrs McAleese, who invited 17 representatives from community and voluntary groups as her personal guests, was accompanied by her husband, Martin, and children, Emma, Sarah and Justin.
Prayers for the President's new term of office were led by the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, who urged all "to work together to secure justice and equality".
Also there were the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Dr John Neill; the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, Dr Kenneth Newell; the President of the Methodist Church, Dr Brian Fletcher; Dr Ireneu-Ioan Craciun of the Greek Orthodox Church; Sheikh Hussein Halawa, Imam of the Islamic Cultural Centre; and Ms Rachel Kirk-Smith of the Religious Society of Friends.
The Chief Rabbi, Dr Yaakov Pearlman, said the President was one "who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, gained the respect of intelligent men and women and the love of little children, who has looked for the best in others and given the best that she had; whose life is an inspiration".
The Taoiseach also extended his congratulations. "Our country has greatly benefited from your first term in office," he said. "You have truly been the people's President, and this is clearly evidenced by the dedicated work you do in fostering community and civil spirit across the length and breadth of Ireland."
Later he added: "I want to say that I value enormously the inspired work you have done as a builder of bridges and a champion of peace. It is my fervent hope, and that of my colleagues in Government, that you will continue to sow seeds of reconciliation and work to increase the levels of mutual understanding between all the people who share this island."
In particular, Mr Ahern paid tribute to the "vital contribution" made by Dr Martin McAleese. "We greatly appreciate the skill, vitality and generosity that he has always shown," he said.
The inauguration was also attended by leading figures from Northern Ireland, including the SDLP leader, Mr Mark Durkan, the Alliance Party leader, Mr David Ford, and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Mr Tom Ekin. Mr Dermot Nesbitt and Mr Harvey Biggar of the Ulster Unionist Party, Mr Davy Nichols of the Ulster Political Research Group and Mr Jackie McDonald of the Ulster Defence Association also attended.
