234. Mary McAleese: Former President of Ireland

Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese joins The Ireland Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation recorded at Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal.

Mary McAleese served as President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. Born in Belfast, she became the first President of Ireland from Northern Ireland and held office through some of the defining years of the peace process.

In this conversation, she reflects on growing up in Belfast during the Troubles, her journey to the presidency and the extraordinary events and personalities she encountered along the way.

McAleese recalls witnessing John Hume and Gerry Adams in conversation during the peace process, describing Hume as “the master” and Adams as the “pupil”. She discusses the criticism Hume endured for engaging with Adams and reflects on the personal toll she believes it took on him.

She also talks about David and Daphne Trimble, Ian Paisley, the Omagh bombing, Martin McAleese’s engagement with loyalist communities and the relationships that developed away from public view.

The conversation then turns to Queen Elizabeth II. McAleese recalls their private conversations, the Queen’s attitude towards Ian Paisley, their shared interest in hurling and shinty, and the long journey towards the Queen’s historic state visit to Ireland in 2011.

The conversation concludes in Irish at Oideas Gael, as Mary reflects on her love of Gleann Cholm Cille, the Irish language and the people who have kept her returning over the years. She also shares some fond memories of Fender’s father, Seán Ó hEaráin, a classmate of hers there.

English subtitles are provided for the Irish-language section.

Recorded at Oideas Gael, Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal on Wed 29th July 2026.