President Higgins calls for 'Republic of equality' in thinly-veiled criticism of Peter Casey comments

President Michael D Higgins has used his inauguration speech to launch a thinly-veiled broadside at rival Peter Casey's divisive Traveller comments, insisting "a real Republic is where every person and community is treated with respect".

Mr Higgins made the comments in a pointed speech at Dublin Castle this evening after being officially confirmed as the winner of the presidential race by an historic landslide victory marred by a racism row and the lowest turnout since the State was formed.