First day in office for President Higgins

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.

In his inauguration speech yesterday, President Higgins pledged to continue the work of his predecessors Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese to deepen and sustain peace between all communities on our island.

His visit to Derry tomorrow will be seen as a symbol of that commitment, and a willingness to embrace the President's all-Ireland role.

In Derry, President Higgins will present the winning trophy to the All Island School Choir of the Year.

Next week, one of President Higgins' first duties will be to appoint seven people to the Council of State, the body which advises the President in the exercise of his discretionary powers.