Mary McAleese

Former presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese have spoken about the importance of picking a side in the war in Ukraine.

"We have a home, our children are gone, and here we are with bedrooms that need to be dusted, and people in need... 39 countries including Ireland have said that the prosecutor investigates for war crimes, crimes against humanity and potentially genocide," Ms Robinson said. that yes, we have taken a side here," Ms McAleese said. "It wouldn't be the first time the Russians have done this... "I've never been a person who ever had contempt for another human being, I've never been contemptuous. It's not possible," Ms McAleese said. However, she said she believed that China was "getting more uncomfortable ... by the day," and she believed it will ultimately have to "go with the world" [in opposing the war]. But I certainly am now." She said it was "never too late for diplomacy" and she believed that China was the key. She said currently China was minimising the conflict and was "on the fence at the moment". I don't remember ever being contemptuous, but I certainly am now... We're not neutral, how could we be?

FORMER presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese have said they hope to see the day that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is “held accountable” for.

And with people, wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to be able to do.” She said: "We have a home that our children are gone. So there has to be negotiation, there has to be an opportunity to end this sooner rather than later. And we're going to continue taking that side.” They chose to be a state with complete openness to human rights.” That we actually have taken a side here. We're looking at a man, and a country, invading a neighbour who back in 1991 chose in a very unique way, by referendum, to be independent. You negotiate with your enemy when you're trying to bring a conflict to an end. And how he lied to us. And of what he represents. Ms Robinson, 77, said: "It's very important to take a side...there's no neutrality about this. "And they didn't just choose to be independent, they chose to be independent of Russia. They chose to be a democratic state.

During their powerful interview, former Presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese made strong comments against Putin as they reflected on the devastating ...

Spoke truly from the heart, so interesting to listen to.” One person took to Twitter to write: “Mary Robinson & Mary McAleese on the #LateLateShow articulate, statesmanlike & inspiring, would be great to see them more, especially together.” One person took to social media to say: “‘Putin is very well protected, until he is not’ so measured & impressive from both Mary Robinson & Mary McAleese”.

The two former presidents of Ireland had strong views on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

One viewer wrote: "What an interview with Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese. I admire both women so much. But I have contempt for that man and everything that he represents.’ I have never had contempt for another human being.

Ms McAleese spoke of her frustration at the Russian ambassador to Ireland, Yury Filatov.

It's not possible," Ms McAleese added. that yes, we have taken a side here." there is no neutrality about this".

Viewers were taken by the appearance of two former presidents of Ireland on Friday's Late Late Show, Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson.

So unlike her, l applaud her 👏 So unlike her, l applaud her One viewer said: ‘What an interview with Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese. I admire both women so much. But I have contempt for that man and everything that he represents.’ ‘I hope we get a photo of that moment,’ she said. — The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow)March 11, 2022