President Michael D Higgins thanks the Irish people for their trust, in final St Patrick's Day message

President Michael D Higgins making his final St Patrick’s Day message in Áras an Uachtaráin on Friday. Picture: Maxwell’s

President Michael D Higgins has thanked the Irish people for the “trust” they placed in him as he signed off with his final St Patrick’s Day address to the nation.

The President will exit Áras an Uachtaráin at the end of this year after 14 years and two terms in office.

President Higgins said: “To the people of Ireland, muintir na hÉireann, may I thank you for the trust you have placed in me over these past 14 years.”

He said that it remains “the greatest honour and privilege to serve you, to meet so many of you in your communities, to witness your compassion, empathy and kindness in so many different ways”.

The President said he remains “convinced beyond any doubt” that Irish people retain a commitment to “seeing the other as a friend, the principles of generosity, decency and care for one another”.

Speaking in Áras an Uachtaráin, President Michael D Higgins prompted the people of Ireland to 'invoke the spirit of St Patrick' by 'reaffirming our commitment to the dignity and wellbeing of all'. Picture: Maxwell’s

With his address delivered at a time of great global uncertainty, the President suggested that the Irish “invoke the spirit of St Patrick” by “reaffirming our commitment to the dignity and wellbeing of all”.

The President said that, in approaching the end of his final term, he had come to reflect on the “themes” he had addressed during his tenure: 

I would like to repeat my belief that words and how they are used matter, and furthermore, that the ideas which they draw on matter.

He said that, for him, criticism of his outspoken nature has often boiled down to it being “interests that matter” as opposed to values, but that in his opinion Irishness “is at its best” when values are given equal weight.

Commenting once more on current events, the President said that at present “internationally we see borders closing to those who flee in desperation, the cruel withholding of aid from those most in need”.

“I remain convinced that there are alternative ways of living together on this fragile planet,” he said.

“All of this is possible by us working, in our different ways, together.

"Let us resolve to forge together a renewed sense of solidarity, reaffirming our commitment to the dignity and well-being of all, in building a just and compassionate world, one which reflects the best instincts of our humanity."