President Higgins arrives in Cobh for Titanic commemoration

President Michael D Higgins has arrived in Cobh to mark the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking.

The Cork town was the last port of call for the famous ship before it sank on April 11, 2012

Opinion in Cork is divided, however, as many feel the week is becoming an insensitive celebration, rather than remembering those who died on the fateful voyage.

Yesterday Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork Cloyne and Ross, said the event should remember the tragedy of the vessel's fate and not turn into a party.

Mayor of Cobh Jim Quinlan said the town was showing sensitivity to those who passed away.

"We were very conscious of that over the last couple of years, of (trying to make sure) we struck that balance as well as we could," he said.

"Maybe scenes of people coming off the Balmoral the other day and being such a memorable thing, looked like a celebration (but) it certainly wasn't. There were people in tears coming off the Balmoral...because their ancestors had left from Cobh.

"They saw the enormous welcome the people of Cobh, and the people of Ireland, gave them."