President Higgins pulls out of 1916 event in Belfast

President Micheal D Higgins has pulled out of attending a civic dinner in Belfast to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising.

President Higgins was due to be guest of honour at the commemorative event in Belfast City Hall on April 8.

It is understood the fact the occasion has not garnered enough cross-party support, with a number of unionists declining invitations, motivated the President’s decision to stay away.