{"id":3962,"date":"2018-11-11T15:59:05","date_gmt":"2018-11-11T20:59:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=3962"},"modified":"2018-11-12T10:01:46","modified_gmt":"2018-11-12T15:01:46","slug":"michael-d-higgins-inaugurated-for-second-term","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=3962","title":{"rendered":"Michael D Higgins Inaugurated For Second Term"},"content":{"rendered":"

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President Michael D Higgins speaking after the Presidential Inauguration ceremony at Dublin Castle today. Photo: Irish Government Pool\/MAXWELLS.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>The inauguration of Michael D Higgins as President of Ireland took place this evening at St. Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle.<\/p>\n

President Higgins made a formal declaration, in which he promised to fulfill his duties as outlined in Bunreacht na hEireann, and dedicated himself to the service and welfare of the people.<\/p>\n

He commences his second term following tonight’s formalities, as he is officially confirmed as the ninth President of Ireland.<\/p>\n

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, representatives of all political parties, and invited guests attended the ceremony.<\/p>\n

“Today we inaugurate President Michael D. Higgins for a second term in an evening ceremony so that we could commemorate the ending of the First World War earlier today,” Leo Varadkar said.<\/p>\n

“By requesting this change, President Higgins exhibited the values which he has brought to the office over the past seven years: respect, empathy, understanding and a selfless desire to put the country first.<\/p>\n

As we approach the commemoration of the first D\u00e1il, the War of Independence, the Anglo-Irish Treaty, and the Civil War, we are fortunate to have in someone with the values, sensitivities, and understanding of President Higgins.<\/p>\n

It has been fifteen days since Michael D Higgins claimed a landslide victory in the Presidential Election becoming the ninth President of Ireland and the fifth to serve two terms in office.<\/p>\n

The Constitution says that the President is to be inaugurated on the day after the previous President’s term ends.<\/p>\n

However, with today being the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, tonight’s inauguration was pushed back to 6pm to allow dignitaries to attend commemoration events.<\/p>\n

Leo Varadkar said:<\/p>\n

“To be inaugurated for a second term as President, with an overwhelming mandate from the people of Ireland, is a great honor.<\/p>\n

“An even greater honor is the trust, affection, and respect which the Irish people have for you.<\/p>\n

“Gabhaim bu\u00edochas le Miche\u00e1l D as a sheirbh\u00eds phoibl\u00ed mar fhile, mar fhealsamh, mar th\u00edrghr\u00e1th\u00f3ir agus mar pholaiteoir le linn a shaoil.<\/p>\n

“D\u00e9anaim comhghairdeachas leis as a bheith atofa ina Uachtar\u00e1n ar \u00c9irinn agus t\u00e1 a fhios agam go nd\u00e9anfaidh s\u00e9 ionada\u00edocht ar son \u00e1r dt\u00edre le hoirirceas i gcona\u00ed le linn na seacht mbliana at\u00e1 amach romhainn.”<\/p>\n

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