Ireland, a country of 5 million inhabitants, is playing an important role as sitting President of the European Union, right at a time when the Eastern European countries start being included among the Union members. The European situation was the main topic of conversation between Chiara Lubich and the summit leaders of the Irish republic. Audience with the President of the Republic of Ireland President Mary McAleese received Chiara at the presidential palace. Born in Northern Ireland, she has experienced the impact of division and violence. A deeply Christian woman, the program of her mandate is: “Building bridges.” The fruitful 50-minute dialogue with Chiara touched on varied subjects, including the European situation and the issue of recognizing Europe’s deeply Christian roots. Chiara remarked later on the many points in common that surfaced. Prime Minister Bertie Aherne commented after his meeting with Chiara: “The message she offered today is very important for a divided island – as Ireland is – whose society is still struggling and is facing, among other issues, religious problems as well. We also spoke about the difficulties that lie ahead for the European Union at the imminent prospect of coexistence among diverse cultures and States. I think that what I have heard today and read in the past bears witness to the work being done by the Movement: that of putting people together, even if they have different points of view.” To politicians: Brotherhood as a political category The group consisted of 19 politicians, including 10 congressmen and senators belonging to different political parties. Northern Ireland was well-represented with the presence of the president of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), Mark Durkan. Antonio Maria Baggio, who came from Rome, presented the Politics for Unity Movement, which proposes fraternity as a political category to people with the most diverse party affiliations. His proposal was well accepted and there was a spirit of new hope. Follow-up gatherings were immediately planned.