PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has hosted his final afternoon tea reception in Áras an Uachtaráin.

It marks one of his final events as President with the country heading to the polls on this Friday, October 24 to vote for his successor.  

Today, Higgins and his wife Sabina welcomed people from a range of cultural, charitable, union and scientific groups.

Included on the guest list was members of Crann, a charity promoting the sustainable use and conservation of trees and forests in Ireland, and members of Animal Help Net Kerry were also present.

Poet Oisín Large and his parents were also present after his parents wrote to Higgins about his poem Lament for Palestine which was published in June.

President Higgins speaks at the event today thanking attendees for their contributions

Speaking at the event today President Higgins said he has witnessed the “moral leadership” of Irish people over his term “working towards the creation of a just and equal world”. 

He praised the Irish people saying they have shown a commitment to “the principles of generosity, compassion, kindness, decency and care for one another”.

President Higgins also expressed his gratitude to the attendees today “for the individual and collective contribution that you have all made to our country in your different capacities”.

Michael D Higgins and wife Sabina at one of his last events as President

At the event today, the President also welcomed a scientists from the University of Galway, astronomers from Leiden University and University of Arizona.

Also in attendance were members from the Inniskillings Museum in Enniskillen and representatives from trade union SIPTU. 

President Higgins and Sabina have welcomed between fifteen and twenty thousand visitors to  Áras an Uachtaráin each year of both of his terms. 

Events hosted by the outgoing President include  summer garden parties in the grounds, receptions, afternoon teas, concerts, tours and  events each year for St Brigid’s Day, International Women’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, May Day and Culture Night.

President Higgins has often used these events to highlight disadvantaged groups including the Traveller community, migrant and refugee groups, the LGBTQI+ community.