In pics: President Michael D Higgins concludes meeting with the Council of State

The President has not yet made an announcement on whether he’ll sign the the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill into law or refer it to the Supreme Court.

PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS’ meeting with the Council of State has concluded this evening.

The President has not yet made an announcement on whether he’ll sign the the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill into law or refer it to the Supreme Court.

He has until Wednesday of this week to make his decision.

Former taoiseach Albert Reynolds, former president Mary Robinson and former taoiseach John Bruton did not attend today’s meeting, which began at 2.30pm at Áras An Uachtaráin. All others who were scheduled to attend were present.

A statement from Áras An Uachtaráin this evening read:

The President has today convened a meeting of the Council of State in relation to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013.

The Meeting concluded at 6.45pm.

Here is a look at today’s meeting in pictures:

In pics: President Michael D Higgins concludes meeting with the Council of State

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President meets with Council of State
Council of State members from the back row: Professor Gearoid O'Tuathaigh, The Hon Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness, The Hon Mr Justice John Murray, The Hon Mr Justice Ronan Keane, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr Michael Farrell, Prof Deirdre Heehan, Mr Ruari Mc Kiernan, Former Taoiseah Brian Cowen, Professor Gerard Quinn and Ms Sally Mulready. Front row left to right: Former President Mary McAleese, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Paddy Burke, Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil Seán Barrett, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, President Michael D Higgins, Ms Susan Denham Chief Justice, The Hon Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, Ms Marie whelan Attorney General and former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
Taoiseach Enda Kenny arriving at Aras an Uachtarain for the meeting with deputy general secretary, Loughlin Quinn. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
Pro-life campaigners pray outside a meeting of the Council of State. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire
President meets with Council of State
Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
Former Fianna Fail Taoiseach Brian Cowen. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
Amy Richardson (8), Luke Richardson (7), Anthony Richardson (3) and Nadia (6) with anti-abortion protesters outside Aras an Uachtarain while the meeting of the Council of State took place. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
Anti-abortion protesters Michael Fowler and Joseph McNamara. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
President meets with Council of State
Council of State members from the back row: Professor Gearoid O'Tuathaigh, The Hon Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness, The Hon Mr Justice John Murray, The Hon Mr Justice Ronan Keane, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr Michael Farrell, Prof Deirdre Heehan, Mr Ruari Mc Kiernan, Former Taoiseah Brian Cowen, Professor Gerard Quinn and Ms Sally Mulready. Front row left to right: Former President Mary McAleese, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Paddy Burke, Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil Seán Barrett, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, President Michael D Higgins, Ms Susan Denham Chief Justice, The Hon Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, Ms Marie whelan Attorney General and former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave. Pic Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

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President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin. Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

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