Michael D Higgins to be inaugurated president of Ireland

Nov 11, 2011, 9:56 GMT

Dublin - The inauguration of Michael D Higgins as ninth President of Ireland is to take place at Dublin Castle Friday.

The 70-year-old former Labour party arts minister will succeed Mary McAleese, who served for two seven-year terms as head of state.

After an inter-faith service and humanist reflection at noon, Higgins will make the declaration of office and will be sworn in by the Chief Justice, Justice Susan Denham.

Higgins, a poet, academic and human rights activist, will then make his first address as president.

At least 300 members of the defence forces will participate in the ceremony.

A 21-gun-salute will sound and Higgins will inspect a guard of honour in Dublin Castle Yard with the Air Corps providing a fly past.

After the ceremony, the president and his wife will be escorted to their new home, Aras an Uachtarain, in Dublin's Phoenix Park.

Ireland's Taoiseach (prime minister) Enda Kenny led the warm tributes paid to outgoing president Mary McAleese, who performed the last of her official duties Thursday.

The Irish people were 'touched and uplifted by the presence of President Mary McAleese in every parish across the country,' the Taoiseach said.

'She had the same beaming smile for everyone,' said Kenny. He added that it was no surprise McAleese chose to spend her last day in office at a refurbished building for homeless men in Dublin.

'For me, two of the more recent iconic images come to mind,' said Kenny. 'Two women, head to toe in black, standing silently beside each other, our President and Queen Elizabeth at the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines.' Author: Fiona Smith