President Higgins' message: 'Christmas is a moment of hope'

President Michael D Higgins has used his annual Christmas and New Year message to urge Ireland to "ensure there is room at the inn" for migrants "in search of safety and hope" and for Irish people "missing the necessary securities of home".

Mr Higgins, who was returned to office in a landslide result in October, emphasised people who are facing the major difficulties as he said Christmas is "a moment of hope and revival of hope" that should be embraced.