President Mary McAleese presided over the official opening of ACCORD's new Limerick Centre last Friday afternoon.

ACCORD is a voluntary Catholic organisation that aims to promote a deeper understanding of Christian marriage and to offer people the means to safeguard and nourish their marriage and family relationships.

At the opening, the President stated: "It's a good idea, and I'm so glad that the good idea has spread. A strong family structure is the best preparation a child can have."

ACCORD formerly known as CMAC was established in Ireland in 1975. The new centre, based at St. Munchin's College, Corbally contributes to the fifty-seven centres throughout Ireland both North and South.