Catherine Connolly's presidential inauguration ceremony taking place

1 month ago 41

Gabija GataveckaiteBBC NI News Dublin Correspondent , Dublin Castle

PA Media Catherine Connolly stepping out of a black car, she is wearing a purple top and coat, she has grey hair.

Catherine Connolly has arrived at Dublin Castle ahead of her inauguration as the Republic of Ireland's 10th president.

Independent politician Connolly was elected in a landslide vote at the end of October - defeating Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys.

The 68-year-old will take over the role from Michael D Higgins, whose 14-year term ended at midnight.

The inauguration ceremony for the president-elect - being attended by politicians, judges and other invited guests - is taking place at Dublin Castle.

The Republic's president is the country's head of state, however it is a non-executive role.

PA Media Michael D Higgins, an older man with balding, white hair, smiles as he shakes hands with Catherine Connolly. He is wearing a navy blue suit, a white shirt and a patterned tie. Connolly, is also smiling, and is wearing a grey and black suit. She is an older woman with short, grey hair. They are standing in front of a white marble fireplace, with a garland of orange, pink, white and yellow flowers.

On Tuesday morning, the president-elect traveled from Farmleigh at Phoenix Park to Dublin Castle with her husband, Brian McEnery, in a ceremonial motorcade.

There she will be sworn into office in St Patrick's Hall by the chief justice.

During the ceremony, a service of prayer and reflection will take place.

Connolly will make a speech after being presented with the Presidential Seal.

Who is attending the inauguration?

PACEMAKER Michelle O'Neill smiling. She is wearing a purple blazer with a white top. She has blonde hair.

As well as the taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin, tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris, senior Irish government ministers and judges are attending the inauguration.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill is also attending the ceremony and is being accompanied by Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will not be attending the inauguration.

Little-Pengelly said she has a number of commitments in Belfast and Windsor for Remembrance Day on Tuesday.

She wished the new president well and said she was hoping to have a phone call with her.

Niall Carson/PA Media Catherine Connolly stands behind a dark wooden podium and smiles. There are two microphones placed in front of her. She is standing in front of a long, deep blue velvet curtain. In gold inscription, the podium says 'Caisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath Dublin Castle' on it. Connolly is wearing a dark grey suit jacket and a dark shirt underneath.

In the absence of Little-Pengelly, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is not sending a representative to attend the inauguration, with party leader Gavin Robinson insisting it is not a "snub".

He said the party would be "pleased" to meet Connolly when she visits Northern Ireland in the future in her formal capacity.

Ulster Unionist Party assembly member (MLA) Steve Aiken will be the only unionist politician attending the inauguration.

He confirmed he would be attending in place of party leader Mike Nesbitt who has other commitments.