President Higgins' speech: From ghosts of the past to a shared vision of the future

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.

He said Britain and Ireland must take pride in the peace that has been built in Northern Ireland.

“I am conscious that I am in the company here of many distinguished parliamentarians who have made their own individual contributions to the journey we have travelled together.