Presidential inauguration ceremony underway

The inauguration ceremony of Michael D Higgins as the ninth President of Ireland is getting underway at Dublin Castle.

Hundreds of guests have been arriving in the rain for the ceremony, including Taoiseach Enda Kenny and President-elect Higgins' predecessor Mary McAleese.

His former rivals for the job - Dana, David Norris, Sean Gallagher, Mary Davis and Gay Mitchell arrived earlier, as well as members of the Cabinet.

Organisers have been battling the elements too - already one of the lengths of red carpet blew away in the high winds.

A prayer service and musical interlude will precede the signing of the declaration at around 12.30pm.