Perhaps it was history that ordained that it be here, at the Cape of Good Hope that we should lay the foundation stone of our new nation. For it was here at this Cape, over three centuries ago, that there began the fateful convergence of the peoples of Africa, Europe and Asia on these shores.

I believe that even amid today's mortar bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Madam President, speaking here in Dublin Castle it is impossible to ignore the weight of history, as it was yesterday when you and I laid wreaths at the Garden of Remembrance.

Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves-from our recklessness or our greed.

I believe that, young or old, we have as much to look forward to with confidence and hope as we have to look back on with pride.

I just hope people don't get sick of us. I'm sick of us and I'm in Destiny's Child.