President Michael D Higgins Completes Historic 14-Year Term

UPDATE: President Michael D Higgins will officially conclude his remarkable 14-year term at midnight tonight, marking a significant moment in Irish history. Following his departure, Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated as the tenth President of Ireland tomorrow after a decisive election victory last month.

President Higgins met with President-elect Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin last week, where he extended wishes of “health and happiness” for her future presidency. As he prepares to leave office, Higgins and his wife, Sabina, expressed gratitude to the public for their well-wishes, reflecting on a presidency that has left an indelible mark on Ireland.

The end of Higgins’s presidency comes at a time of reflection, as he garnered nearly 40% of the first preference votes in the 2011 election, overcoming challenges from a seven-candidate field. Since being inaugurated on November 11, 2011, he has been a fixture in Irish public life, known for his approachable demeanor and beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Public gatherings have taken place outside Áras an Uachtaráin today, with dog owners bringing their Bernese Mountain Dogs to pay tribute to the outgoing president. Social media was abuzz with images of the heartfelt farewell, showcasing the deep connection Higgins has fostered with citizens and their pets over the years.

Throughout his presidency, Higgins has been a pivotal figure in Irish politics, notably becoming the first President to make a state visit to the United Kingdom in April 2014, where he addressed the British Parliament and celebrated the growing ties between the two nations. His leadership was further highlighted during the historic visit of Pope Francis in August 2018, where he addressed the painful legacy of clerical abuse in Ireland.

With an eye on his legacy, President Higgins, who is now 82, faced health challenges in 2024, including a mild stroke and a subsequent hospital stay for an infection. His final public appearance was at the annual Service of Remembrance at St. Patrick’s Cathedral yesterday, a poignant echo of his first engagements upon taking office.

As he prepares to return to Galway with Sabina, Higgins has left a lasting impression on the nation, inspiring memes and a popular tea cosy dubbed “President Michael ‘Tea’ Higgins.” His unique blend of humor and sincerity has made him a beloved figure, with many eager to see how Connolly will continue his legacy.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Catherine Connolly as she steps into her new role. With a complicated history involving Higgins, their upcoming inauguration ceremony will be closely watched as a potential turning point in Irish politics.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the inauguration of Ireland’s new president.