President Higgins warns of 'poisonous xenophobia' against people fleeing war and persecution

President Michael D Higgins delivers his St Patrick’s Day Message 2023 at Áras an Uachtaráin. Picture: Maxwells

President Michael D Higgins has warned of an increase in "poisonous xenophobia" that has sown the seeds of fear against those fleeing war and persecution.

There are "powerful echoes" from St Patrick's migrant life that "resonate" today, the President has said in asking Irish people to react with "kindness and compassion" to those arriving here.