Ireland Female's president

President of Ireland launches the Christmas Road Safety Campaign

President Mary McAleese launched the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána Christmas and New Year Road Safety Campaign on Wednesday 25th November 2009 at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Speaking at the launch, the President praised Irish road users for the changes they have made in their behaviour on the road and for taking personal responsibility for how they share the road with others.

However, the President stated that,
'No-one has to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs. It is a personal choice, selfish, dangerous, inexcusable and downright bad. No-one has to drive without a seat belt, or with bald or underpressured tyres. No-one has to speed, no-one has to answer the mobile phone while driving, or check their lipstick or root around for a new CD or light up a cigarette. Driving requires total concentration, free from distractions we create, for we need to be ready at all times for the distraction and risks that others are getting ready to inflict on us whether we like it or not.'