VIDEO: 1916 celebrations should emphasise diversity, says President Higgins

President Michael D Higgins has called for the 1916 centenary celebrations to be used to remember the “diversity of our people and events” that have made the nation what it is today.

The 74-year-old made the comments in his fifth new year’s message from Áras an Uachtaráin, as Tánaiste Joan Burton added to rumours that Higgins, her party colleague, may seek re-election in 2018 (he initially said he would only stay for one term).

President Higgins said the upcoming celebration of Ireland’s independence should “honour the courage and dignity” of our ancestors.