President Michael D Higgins has hailed the transformation of relations between Britain and Ireland, from doubt to trust and mutual respect. In a historic address to Britain’s Houses of Parliament — the first time Ireland’s head of state has been given the honour — Mr Higgins said the two countries now have a closeness that once seemed unachievable.

President Michael D Higgins has begun his official state visit in Britain.

There has been a broad welcome to the news that President Michael D Higgins will make an official state visit to the UK next year.

President Michael D Higgins has begun his first full day in office. His first official engagements will include attending a Remembrance Service at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin tomorrow, and crossing the border to visit Derry.

Inaugural speech of President Michael D. Higgins, St. Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle, Friday, November 11, 2011

Michael D Higgins has officially become the ninth President of Ireland having signed the Declaration of Office at the inauguration ceremony in Dublin Castle today.