ANNETTE J DUNLEA

President Michael D Higgins addresses both houses of parliament at Westminster

President has addressed the chamber in Westminster

“Mr. Speaker, Lord Speaker,

Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister,

Leader of the Opposition and distinguished guests:

I am delighted to be with you today.

A Chairde:

Tá fíor-chaoin áthas orm bheith anseo libh.

On the first day of this State Visit, I have been graciously and warmly
welcomed by
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle, and I have come to this
place from a poignant and uplifting visit to Westminster Abbey. I am
greatly honoured to be the first President of Ireland to address you in
this distinguished Palace of Westminster.

As a former parliamentarian, honoured to have spent twenty-five years as a
member of Dáil Éireann, and a further decade serving in our Upper House,
Seanad Éireann, it constitutes a very special privilege to be speaking
today in a place…

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