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President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina being led by Taoiseach Enda Kenny to St Patricks Hall in Dublin Castle. Photocall Ireland/GIS
President Higgins
State reception held for President Higgins at Dublin Castle
The newest President of Ireland has been welcomed to his new role with a state reception at Dublin Castle. So, who was on the guestlist?
THE STATE Reception at Dublin Castle for the newest President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, is now underway.
In total, 1,700 guests were invited to the State reception to celebrate his inauguration earlier today – including 270 people who were personally invited by the President himself.
Included on the list were his fellow presidential candidates, as well as former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds; former president Mary Robinson and her husband Nicholas; a whole host of TDs, Ministers and MEPs; members of the Irish Defence Forces; religious representatives including Rabbi Zaiman Lent and the Most Reverend Michael A Jackson; judges; councillors; and professors.
The event so far has had a strong musical theme, involving a performance from traditional musician Sharon Shannon, Sawdoctor Leo Moran and band, while a lone piper welcomed guests into Dublin Castle.
Speaking to RTÉ News, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he believed President Higgins will “put his own individual stamp to the presidency” while Deputy Micheál Martin said he was a “fine and distinguished president”.
Throughout today we have kept you up to date with all things President Higgins – catch up by following the links below.
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