How did Mary McAleese work to improve relationships between Ireland and other countries during her time as president?

Mary McAleese, the eighth President of Ireland, served two terms from 1997 to 2011. During her presidency, she worked tirelessly to improve relationships between Ireland and other countries in several ways:

1. Building Bridges: McAleese's presidency was characterized by the theme of "Building Bridges". This theme not only referred to her work in mending relationships between communities within Northern Ireland but also extended to improving Ireland's international relations.

2. Visits to Other Countries: McAleese made numerous state visits to other countries during her presidency. These visits were aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and promoting Ireland's interests abroad. For instance, she made a historic state visit to the United Kingdom in 2002, the first by an Irish president.

3. Encouraging Trade and Investment: McAleese also worked to improve Ireland's economic relationships with other countries. She often met with business leaders and foreign investors, promoting Ireland as a good place for business and investment.

4. Promoting Irish Culture: McAleese used her role to promote Irish culture abroad, which helped to improve Ireland's image and relationships with other countries. She often highlighted the contributions of the Irish diaspora during her foreign visits.

5. Peace Process in Northern Ireland: Perhaps most notably, McAleese played a significant role in the peace process in Northern Ireland. She worked to foster better relationships between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as between Ireland and the UK. This work was instrumental in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which helped to bring about peace in Northern Ireland.

In conclusion, Mary McAleese worked to improve relationships between Ireland and other countries through diplomatic visits, promoting trade and investment, showcasing Irish culture, and playing a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process.