PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has hosted Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin ahead of her inauguration as the tenth President of Ireland next week.

President Higgins wished Connolly “health and happiness” as he welcomed her to the Áras.

He and his wife Sabina met with Connolly this afternoon at the Áras, as well as her husband Brian McEnery, her son Stephen and members of her team, including campaign manager Beibhinn O’Connor.

The members of the Connolly McEnery family signed a visitor’s book in the Aras.

Catherine Connolly and husband Brian McEnery sign the visitors’ book Brian Lawless / PA Brian Lawless / PA / PA

President Higgins and his wife Sabina greeted Connolly and her husband with hugs and handshakes.

The President congratulated his successor on a “great achievement” as they exchanged words in English and Irish in front of news cameras.

Connolly enjoyed a landslide victory over Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys in last month’s presidential election.

President Elect Catherine Connolly and her husband Brian McEnery at Áras an Uachtaráin TONY MAXWELL TONY MAXWELL

The pair have a somewhat complicated history after Ms Connolly left the Labour Party when it opted to run just one candidate in the Galway West constituency for the 2007 general election, where Mr Higgins was a sitting TD.

However, the reception this afternoon was warm and marked with smiles and laughter.

President Higgins will remain in his office until midnight on Monday, 10 November,

The Irish constitution stipulates that the incoming president must be inaugurated the day after the outgoing president’s term ends.

As a result, Connolly will be officially inaugurated as the 10th Uachtarán na hÉireann on Tuesday 11 November.

President Higgins with President Elect Catherine Connolly in Áras an Uachtaráin TONY MAXWELL TONY MAXWELL

Although no official venue is stated in the constitution, all previous ceremonies have taken place in St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle.

During the ceremony, the incoming president takes the oath of office below the Irish flag. 

President Higgins and Sabina with President Elect Catherine Connolly and her husband Brian McEnery in Áras an Uachtaráin TONY MAXWELL TONY MAXWELL

Every president to date has chosen to take this oath in Irish and Connolly is expected to do the same, especially since she has stated that Irish will be the official working language during her presidency. 

After she recites the oath, Connolly will then sign the declaration and deliver her first address as Uachtarán na hÉireann. 

The chief justice Donal O’Donell will then present her with the presidential seal.

A presidential term is seven years long, with each office holder being allowed to serve a maximum of two terms, should they successfully seek re-election.

Connolly has said she does not see herself seeking a second term – although her predecessor made similar comments before running again.

-With additional reporting from Press Association