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LAST UPDATE | 17 Sep 2021
PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has said the title of next month’s church service marking partition and the creation of Northern Ireland “wasn’t a neutral statement politically”.
President Higgins has declined an invitation to the service in Armagh which is being organised jointly by the main Christian churches on the island of Ireland.
The churches have said that the “Service of Reflection and Hope” is being held “to mark the centenaries of the partition of Ireland and the formation of Northern Ireland”.
It’s been reported that Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II will be in attendance at the service and President Higgins said today that that he is “not snubbing anyone” by not attending.
President Higgins is currently on a trip to Rome, where he met Pope Francis this morning.
Speaking following that meeting, RTÉ reports that President Higgins raised concerns over the title of the service.
“It isn’t a neutral statement politically,” he said.
“Let’s be clear…that’s why doing commemorations is difficult.”
You might remember, I’ve had no difficulties about appearing with Her Majesty in Northern Ireland. We’ve met and talked, and neither have I had anything to do with boycotting events. I hope we can help with each others’ events.
“I wish their service well but they understand that I have the right to exercise a discretion as to what I think is appropriate for my attendance.”
A spokesperson for President Higgins had earlier this week confirmed that he would not be attending the event but his decision has been criticised by the DUP and former taoiseach John Bruton.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he respected the president’s decision not to attend the service.
“I respect the president’s decision and I understand where the president is coming from,” he told reporters in Cork.
I think he has articulated and has given his reasons and we know that the president has given a lot of time to commemoration, and takes it very seriously. He is also very committed to reconciliation. We don’t need to question his bone fides in that respect at all, and people shouldn’t.
The Taoiseach added: “He has a long-standing relationship to peace and reconciliation on the island too. I think he has made his decision now and as he said himself, we should move on from this.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney earlier confirmed that his department consulted Áras an Uachtaráin regarding an invitation.
Coveney, who is Minister for Foreign Affairs, said that it was the President’s decision to decline the invitation to the event. The President has said that his decision was not a snub of Queen Elizabeth II, and that he has “the right to exercise a discretion as to what I think is appropriate for my attendance”.
His decision has come under criticism by Unionists, but Higgins described some of the criticism as “a bit much”.
Consultation
Coveney was asked about the controversy during a visit to Belfast.
“There was consultation between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Áras (president’s official residence) on this issue and many other issues, but I can assure you President Higgins is the kind of person who makes his own decisions,” he said.
“He listens to all perspectives and then makes a judgment for himself.
“And, you know, he’s made his decision on this. He’s given an explanation as to the basis for that decision and I think we need to respect that.”
The minister said he is “not going to second-guess the decisions of the president of Ireland”.
“He makes his own decisions and he makes his own judgment calls, and I respect that.”
Coveney added: “My department would be involved with consultations with Aras An Uachtarain and the president’s team regularly on a lot of things; we didn’t give any clear advice to the president in relation to this particular event.”
I think it’s quite clear from the statements that the President has made in relation to it that he made his own decision. He is the head of State, he’s entitled to make his own decisions on his own diary and the events that he attends, and I think he’s answered for himself on that.
Asked if he would attend the service himself if invited, Coveney said: “The Irish Government hasn’t received an invitation to the event that you refer to, but, if we do receive an invitation, of course we’ll give it serious consideration.”
Also speaking to reporters this morning, Green Party leader and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said that President Higgins was “full entitled” to make his own decision about his attendance.
“I have to respect the president’s judgment. It’s his job to make those calls and he’s been an outstanding president for our country. I don’t think anyone in government will question the president, he’s fully entitled to make those judgement calls,” Ryan said.
Higgins has defended his decision to decline an invitation to a church service marking Northern Ireland’s centenary.
The President said the title of the event, which states the service will mark the centenaries of the partition of Ireland and the formation of Northern Ireland, is being “politicised” and it would be inappropriate for him to attend.
‘No question of any snub’
Higgins, who is currently on a visit to Rome, said he will not be revisiting his decision to stay away from the service in Armagh next month.
“We are past the point now and I think it is unfortunate,” he told the Irish Times.
The President denied he is snubbing the Queen.
“There is no question of any snub intended to anybody. I am not snubbing anyone and I am not part of anyone’s boycott of any other events in Northern Ireland,” he said.
“I wish their service well but they understand that I have the right to exercise a discretion as to what I think is appropriate for my attendance.”
Higgins said his issue is with the title of the service.
“What (had started out as) an invitation to a religious service had in fact become a political statement,” he said. “I was also referred to as the President of the Republic of Ireland. I am the President of Ireland.”
DUP criticism
Unionists have questioned Higgins’ decision not to attend, with DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson asking whether it is politically motivated as a consequence of advice from the Irish Government. The Government in Dublin has denied it influenced the president’s move.
Higgins challenged the DUP criticism.
“It’s a bit much, to be frank with you. I have gone up to Northern Ireland to take part in events,” he said.
“There often has not been a great deal of traffic down from the DUP people who are criticising me now.”
Higgins said that, on the day of the service, he has already agreed to host the Statistical and Social Inquiry Association of Ireland at Aras an Uachtaráin in Dublin.
Jeffrey Donaldson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, speaking on Morning Ireland defended the event as an act of reconciliation.
“Well, the event, the service, is being hosted by the four main churches, and I have to say that they will be drawn into politics.
“It simply reflects the reality of what this moment in our history, was about I know there, that it is contentious I understand that there are people on both sides, who take a different view.
“But, you know if you’re going to have reconciliation, surely it is about bringing people together who hold different views. If all we ever do is gather together with those of a like mind, how do you promote reconciliation, I think the churches are right to hold this service, they’re right to do the difficult things,” he said.
Donaldson said that the event was about “stepping outside of your comfort zone”.
“When you consider the enormous steps towards reconciliation that were taken by Her Majesty the Queen when she visited Dublin and the boundaries that were broken by that visited the taboos that were taken apart and the healing and reconciliation that arose and occurred from that event.
“I think it is regrettable that the head of state of the Republic of Ireland, feels that he cannot attend this service because it is not about politics, it’s actually about hope and reconciliation,” he added.
Former Taoiseach weighs in
@PresidentIRL has suggested former Taoiseach John Bruton might withdraw his comments this morning. Mr Bruton has clarified his remarks in a statement to Drivetime. pic.twitter.com/66m2wmQEO9
— Drivetime RTE (@drivetimerte) September 17, 2021
The entire controversy has also seen a war of words emerge between President Higgins and former taoiseach John Bruton.
Bruton said on radio that he believes President Higgins should reverse his decision and attend the service, adding that Higgins is constitutionally required to consult the government on such matters.
“This is not a commemoration, this is simply marking an anniversary, it is to be a prayerful event, and is to be attended by the head of State of the United Kingdom,” Brtuon told RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne said.
“I think it is a great opportunity for the two of them to stand together and show that there is a future for Northern Ireland that is both Irish, and also has a dimension that expresses the Unionist sentiment as well.”
We are trying to bring the Unionist community on side to accept the protocol, and to accept a closer relationship with us. It seems to me that gestures towards recognition of their heritage are very important on behalf of the Irish state, if we want to achieve peace and harmony in Northern Ireland.
Responding to the Bruton to reporters in Rome, President Higgins said that Bruton was “wrong in his interpretation of the Constitution”.
“I’m the President of Ireland, that’s the constitutional position, the legal position,” he said.
Following up on his earlier appearance on radio, Bruton has this evening stood by his comments in saying that he believes President Higgins is required to consult government on such matters.
In a statement sent to RTÉ’s Drivetime programme, Bruton pointed out that when he had spoken this morning it had been widely reported the President Higgins hadn’t consulted with government but Minister Simon Coveney later revealed that such dialogue had taken place.
“I believe the decision, to accept or decline this invitation, which President Higgins received as Head of State, is definitely in exercise of his” function” as Head of State.
But when I referred, this morning to his response to the invitation from Church leaders, the information in the public domain then was that the President had acted on his own in this matter.This was before a subsequent statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs that the government did have an opportunity to offer advice but did not do so.
“In light of this the provisions of the constitution now do appear to have been fulfilled.”
With reporting from the Press Association and Rónán Duffy
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He’s gone up in my estimation
@Michael Cleary: Absolutely. Good Man Michael D.
@Michael Cleary: I thought he wasn’t going up !
@Michael Cleary: gone way down in mine!
@Michael Cleary: Albert Reynolds was spot on when he referred to John Bruton as “John Unionist”.
@emer mcdonnell: seriously it’s about the partition of our country he is so right not go
@Michael Cleary: Nice to see someone in authority in this country with integrity. Kudos Michael D.
@Michael Cleary: Leo will probably go as he’s a good Tory
@Franny Ando: Absolutely, Michael D. is a President that I’m proud of. It is also great to see how well received and respected he is on the world stage too.
@Neil Neart: west Brit.
@Neil Neart: The former Fine Gael leader has now backtracked and admitted he was wrong by stating the President must attend due to the constitution. Big respect to our President, he is a wonderful individual.
@Peter B: can you actually read, he NOT attending, read article before commenting
@Larry O Reilly: That would be humour.
@emer mcdonnell: 26 Vs 2548. You lose!
@Nigel: I came back
@Tom kenny: I came back to see how she was doing, she might turn it around
@Michael Cleary: Glad to see some topical fodder available for the sinners. I’m a avid nationalist but I do believe the DUP are colleagues not friends, so keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Higgins shouldn’t have discretion to snub such politically sensitive events.
Spot on Mr president, you have my full support.
@Bala mc blaha: PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has said the title of next month’s church service marking partition and the creation of Northern Ireland “wasn’t a neutral statement politically”.
Quoted for context. He’s right, it’s not and in fact he is being (appropriately) polite there because it’s actually pretty far from neutral…
If it isn’t a big win for the Unionist side why do they care if he turns up or not? Big fans of the President of the Republic are they?
Give me a fcking break.
@John Considine: As he says himself, he is not the President of the Republic. He is the President of Ireland.
@Tommy Roche: Oh that’s nice for him, I wonder what honorific Sir Jeffrey will aloow him, let’s see:
“I think it is regrettable that the head of state of the Republic of Ireland, feels that he cannot attend this service because…”
Oh dear, that hardly seems the same at all :(
I wonder why that is?
A principled stand by our fantastic president. Our government ministers should grow a pair and do likewise.
@Ger O’Reilly: no they shouldn’t.
@emer mcdonnell: oooohhh yes they should. Now everybody together……
@Muckser Maher: hilarious….seriously!!
Leadership at last! Absolutely correct Mr H.
There are no flies on Michael D. Very shrewd operator
Huge respect Mr President, your words and wisdom inspire me
I hate to say it, actually I don’t. I said previously the snub was at The President of Ireland when he was referred to as the President of the Republic. Unionist know how to pick “Southeners” apart with their jargon. Absloutely delighted to see President Higgins say it proudly, “President of Ireland”.
This “controversy” is a nonsense. No president of any country would attend commemorations of a partition of that country.
@Brian Dunne: john bruton is now saying the president should attend this event. No surprise from that boot licker
@Brian Dunne: what do you expect from a west brit
@Brian Dunne: No surprise that Albert Reynolds referred to John Bruton as John Unionist or even that Dustin the Turkey called him John Brutal
@Johnny Harris: I don’t think comments like that help. Derogatory remarks regarding a person’s sexuality are despicable no matter who the person is.
Fair play to the president. I’m with him 100% on this. Partition has been a blight on this country. I just hope he doesn’t backtrack.
The DUP are about everything except hope and reconciliation, there policies don’t represent a majority in NI. They are the first to reject proposals that don’t suit themselves instead of looking at the bigger picture.
@Jj: first to object? They are completely incapable of saying yes to anything.. the word yes is just not in their vocabulary. Good man Mr Higgins I salute you..
Well done to our president, he has the full backing of most of the people of Ireland. And the ones he doesn’t have the backing of, well they aren’t the type who’s opinion I’d concern myself with.
@Laura Walsh: Oh!
I voted for Michael D. and have never regretted doing so.
Telling it like it is. The DUP have always made demands without concessions, never led by example, a typical supremacist standing. Fair play Michael D for not only standing by his decision, but also for not indulging in any political mealy mouthedness and double speak.
He was not snubbing the Queen! He was snubbing the ceremony itself ! He has grown in my estimation of him! Well done President Higgins
I salute you.!!!!
Small in stature but a giant amongst men
Standing ovation Mr President!
Our President made the correct decision.
Go on Michael Dee!
Up yours DUP!
Well done President Higgins .How dare those people invited you to a celeabration of dividing our country apart ..
John Bruton just now on RTE says it’s not a commemoration of partition it’s a “marking ” of partition. Well he would say that anyway wouldn’t he. What does he do for his birthday? “Mark it” instead of celebrating it ?
@Shea Carroll: the only United Ireland John Bruton would be in favour of would be under British rule. Strange man.
@Shea Carroll: Just trying to keep himself relevant. He needn’t bother he will always be obnoxious and of no consequence.
100% correct…we need to share this island together,but don’t need to celebrate the mistakes from the past ..Hats off Mr H…!!!
Isn’t wee Jeffery a gas little fella, he had his shorts pulled down by Boris and is trying to stir the pot to deflect bad decision making.
I hope he formally responded to the invite, in writing, as Gaeilge.
In breaking news the DUP has proposed that South Korea hosts the celebration of the use of the 38th parallel as a delineation between North and South Korea. They specifically proposed that Kim Jong Un open the event in Seoul – all parties are welcome to attend.
Higgins says NO!
Well done Michael. If Bruton was president, he would refuse as well. His reply would be “I have to refuse your invite, I am not worthy enough to be in your presence”
He is The President of All Ireland…
Get in there Michael D.
“Let’s reconcile while we celebrate partition”?
4 more years!
Step out of your comfort zone so, and fork off back to Scotland
@Ciarán Ó Dubhda:
Fair play Mr President and never mind John ‘the unionist’ Bruton, he should go himself or send Charlie Flanagan or Leo.
Jeffrey Donaldson and reconciliation are mutually exclusive.
Little man with big ba-ls something Mehole hasn’t got
Living in Northern Ireland I believe he should go. He represents us and we want to move forward with our unionist neighbours not always looking back in history. I thought he would rise to the challenge like we all have had to do for peace in our country.
@Mary Savage: But he doesn’t represent you. U live in a different jurisdiction altogether
@Locutus Of Borg: Well as he said himself he is President of Ireland not the Republic of Ireland
@Locutus Of Borg: Michael D. did say above he is the President of Ireland not President of the Republic of Ireland.
@Mary Savage: The answer is in your own phrase” not looking back on history”.!!!!
@Mary Savage: In theory but can NI citizens vote in the presidential elections? There were some changes proposed but not sure if it will be changed before the next election
@Mary Savage: he’s not going to celebrate the reason as to why you have to appease unionist neighbours.
@Mary Savage: no Mary. He stays at home.
@Mary Savage: he is president of the country of Ireland, not the island.
The Rep. Of Ireland is the description of the country, the name of the country is Ireland.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Republic_of_Ireland_Act_1948?wprov=sfla1
@Mary Savage: The DUP, however, persist in calling him the President of the Republic of Ireland, a title designed to be deliberately insulting. They’re snubbing him, knowing his title is President of Ireland but refusing to use it. They create a commemoration they know he cannot attend, insult him in the process, which he has the grace to shrug off, they claim he’s snubbing them.
Meanwhile some of our politicians, a number of whom would attend the opening of a bag of crisps, have no problem attending this event and criticising anyone who doesn’t go.
@Mary Savage: sorry but our President does not represent you
@Arch Angel: Attend the opening of a packet of crisps – Class!
@Margaret Kane: to say that Uachtarán na hÉireann does not represent Irish nationalists in the North is extremely disrespectful in my opinion. Yes from a legal stand point you are correct, he is not the head of state there, but the last three Presidents have gone to great lengths to ensure that those people do not feel included and left behind.
@Margaret Kane: You used the term “West Brit” above… How does what you’ve stated about the President not representing Irish nationalists/republicans in the North tally with that? If a FGer said what you’d said they’d be labelled a West Brit… I’m sorry but that’s hypocrisy.
In this instance I agree that the President should not attend as the service has been politicised and he has been slighted. If those things had not happened I have no doubt he would have attended in good faith for the betterment of society.
@Margaret Kane: The height of ignorance with that comment.
The President of Ireland does represent Irish citizens. He represents the state and the constitution of Ireland from which Irish people derive their citizenship. That includes Irish citizens who live in other jurisdictions or abroad.
Live long and prosper, President Higgins. Maith thú.
A line has been drawn.
Proud of you MichaelD.
If DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson insists that the centenary event is indeed not political and was organised by the 4 main Churches in Northern Ireland then why is he weighing in on it and making it political? President Higgins made the right call, he cannot be seen to be taking a particular side and must maintain a neutral position.
@thejournal …. Any chance you could stop calling our President by his surname?? Have a bit of respect please. You call him Higgins multiple times in this article.
I see John Bruton is not happy.
John Bruton and FG showing their true colours, there would never have been a peace process with Bruton as Taoiseach.
Hey Jeffrey, he’s the President of Ireland.
Not the President of the Republic of Ireland.
Uachtarán maith thú
Who’s John Bruton ?
Off to see the pope!!! home rule is rome rule!!!
Convenient Distraction from zappone gate.
He’s totally right
Lol journal deleted my comment.. can’t have any comment dismissing our glorious leader leo
The lack of support for Mickey D from the government is embarrassing. Lickholes.
Good man Michael, a politician with a backbone
I had my doubts about Michael D when he was first elected president of this great island of Ireland, I thought he would be to arty farty, but he has proven to be a great president by standing up to his principles.
Today in your 5 at 5 you talk about misinformation on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook, all while calling the whole Michael D Higgins refusal a “controversy”. I have not seen or heard one person disagree with his refusal, so the only “controversy” should be how the media spread their own misinformation by putting whatever spin they like on any story. 7 MORE YEARS!
An interesting aside: The office of the President didn’t exist until 1938.!!!!
The dup/uda terr0r!ist political unit is playing its usual grubby little stirring up antics. The president of Ireland made the right decision.
He should have gone to the service rather than going to the Pope’s House. That couldn’t be considered a religious visit because he’s not religious or at least can’t be bothered with it back in his own turf.
@JT1972: No he shouldn’t. He made the right choice.
I will fight anyone who says a bad word about Michael D. Higgins.
No you’re not President of Ireland, the Nordies didn’t vote for you.
@The Firestarter: it’s the title if his office, by not even addressing him formally using the correct title was a show of disrespect along the same lines of us sending an invite to the queen of England and leaving the Northern Ireland out of her title. A pure disrespecting dig
@The Firestarter: The official name of the country that consists of the 26 counties is Ireland or Eire. Not the Republic of Ireland (that’s the international football team). The president is therefore referred to as either the President of Ireland or Uachtaran na hEireann.
Another pretentious champagne socialist. I doubt he asked about the remaining compensation for abuse survivors
Judging by the majority of anti British / unionist comments on here , we will never be able to move on , preferring to wallow in the past. I’m sure the Shinners and all their flock are licking their lips with glee!
@emer mcdonnell: Crying wolf eh !! , moan about comments about the British & Unionist and then say stuff about ‘The Shinners’ and their ‘flock’ !!
The vast majority agree with our President on this one and that is more than just SF.
@Da Dell: I agree with our President on this and I’m no fan of the Shinners.
@emer mcdonnell: of course we’ll be able to move on , just as soon as the occupying forces are gone and our country is united
@emer mcdonnell: Si-lly Si-lly comment. Why would you expect the President to attend a celebration of partition. Why do you think it is OK for Donaldson to use such derogatory language. He is quite right to refuse. He has met the Queen, British P.M, Unionists,Nationalists public representatives of all persuasions in N.Ireland during his tenure as President. To suggest its anti British anti Unionists is embarrassing and petty to say the least.
@Da Dell: Not crying wolf at all, there is a huge anti British / Unionist sentiment on here which I find extremely concerning. If we want to move forward with peace and reconciliation on this land then in my opinion he should attend and not moan about his actual title ( after stating he didnt want to make it political)The Queen made a huge gesture during her visit by shaking the hands of those who killed her uncle…that is how we move on.
Oh is it “Si-lly ( can you not type normally?) As president it is his job to meet all those listed above. As I have said time and time again If we want peace on this island we should make an effort. Not everyone on this island both and North and South want a united island Most of us just want to live in peace.
@emer mcdonnell: Yes it is quite si-lly because for some peculiar reason the journal class the word as toxic….. just like your comments.
@Franny Ando: yeah Franny, they’re so, so “toxic” !
@Franny Ando: funny that Franny, if my comments are so toxic as you like to say they are, how come I’ve never had to change a word to be accepted…?
@emer mcdonnell: a great gesture from the Queen alright. Maybe next she can travel the world and shake the hands of the 50 million + that have been murdered in her name since she came into power. Pick up a history book and educate yourself before you start your slobber
@emer mcdonnell: Your very funny alright;):)
@James Beattie: I’ve a degree in it James…what about you?
@emer mcdonnell: well then you should put it into practice. All the more shameful for you that you spent 4/5 yrs learning history and you come out with this jibberish then.
To disagree with our President you’d have to be either a non-IRISH person or an uneducated one. Fair play to that man.
Classic Michael D again in his idealistic, outdated faux intellectuel bubble. The ignorance of the comments on here are very telling too, “The South” does not have a claim to Northern Ireland so comments about “our country” are laughable. The principle of consent as per the Good Friday agreement (and everything ever since) is key to the people of Northern Ireland but something many commentators here (and Mr D) fail to grasp. A claim to Northern Ireland is a naive reverse colonisation fantasy. That’s before we even get into the fact that it was a church service celebrating understanding and togetherness in Northern Ireland not a Unionist event. Did he even read the invite? A lame duck President, arrogant and ignorant coupled with national existential angst and reverse colonial BS.
@Patrick McConville: Do some research and learn the actual official name of the country that you share the island with. (spoiler, it doesn’t include the words ‘republic’ or ‘of’)
@Mark Wallace: You’re right, far from a Republic by any measure of the standard. Google for President so….
@Patrick McConville: ah Patrick, you’re a bigot. Go away lad
@Patrick McConville:
“The South” does not have a claim to Northern Ireland so comments about “our country” are laughable.
We who laugh last, laugh best.
@Patrick McConville: well said!
@Patrick McConville: You seem very ignorant of the facts yourself, there is a provision in the GFA for a United Ireland if the majority in NI vote for it. Not surprising that you call those that do not agree with your ill informed biased opinion names, a stable of hard core unionism for centuries, coupled with an unhealthy detachment form reality & science. Thankfully them and you are in the minority and same are dropping in numbers year on year.
@Patrick McConville: it’s just a pity that the invitation didn’t stress the church service and religious aspect of the event but rather stated “a celebration of the partition of Ireland”. That of course is a political and provocative statement on an emotive topic that would strike a sour note with the vast majority of people, who our President represents, living on this island. The President has taken the right stance here, clearly backed by the majority of the public.
@Da Dell: Absolutely. If the majority vote for it. The principle of consent. Until then the head of state of the nearest neighbour should have the gumption and grace to meet with the their counterpart in a spirit of togetherness. The future of Northern Ireland will be decided by the people of Northern Ireland as you say. I’m a Northern Catholic by the way.
@Da Dell: Absolutely. If the majority vote for it. The principle of consent. Until then the head of state of the nearest neighbour should have the gumption and grace to meet with the their counterpart in a spirit of togetherness. The future of Northern Ireland will be decided by the people of Northern Ireland as you say not by posturing and delusions of a “win back.” I’m a Northern Catholic by the way.
@Da Dell: I’m not a hard core Unionist – far from it. If by dwindling numbers you mean the number of moderate people of all persuasions in Northern Ireland that are happy with Northern Ireland 2021 then my guess is that number is pretty big indeed. The sooner a border poll is held the sooner the vain fantasy of a United Ireland that plays so well in the Irish media can be answered.
G’wan Mickey D!
600 years blah blah blah. Get over it
As long as we don’t have John Briton for president.. He embarrassed the country and himself . When Prince Charles visited Ireland and doing the same now.
The President made the correct decision.
Margaret Kane is not ladylike
have your say