President removed face mask for 'brief' photo ops in Galway bookshops

President Michael D Higgins was pictured in a Galway bookshop without a face mask.

President Michael D Higgins removed his face covering for a number of “brief” photo opportunities in two Galway bookshops last week, Áras an Uachtaráin has said, after the president was pictured without a mask in an apparent breach of Covid-19 regulations.

Photos shared on social media last Thursday showed Mr Higgins signing copies of his new book and speaking with staff in Charlie Byrne’s and Kennys Bookshop without a face covering.