History doesn't mean dates and wars and textbooks to me; it means the unconquerable pioneer spirit of man.

Since the dawn of history, mankind has honoured and respected brave and honest people.

The whole book of history reveals mankind's never-ending quest for peace, and mankind's God-given capacity to build.

Of all the small nations of this earth, perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind.

The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way. Greed has poisoned men's souls, hasbarricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost.

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.