President seen in public for a major event for first time since ...
The President’s health is restored and he is planning overseas trips later this year after being seen in public for a major event today for the first time since his recent hospitalisation.
Michael D. Higgins led the annual Easter Sunday commemoration at the GPO where he lay a wreath in honour of all those who died during the 1916 Rising.
In line with the recommendation of his medical team, the President has been carrying out a reduced number of public engagements during a recuperation period following his recent return from hospital.
It is now expected he will make brief trips abroad, including to the UK, later this year — although long-haul undertakings are out for now.
The President has also been preparing for a number of keynote speeches which he is due to deliver both in Ireland and in ‘upcoming travel over the coming weeks and months,’ Áras an Uachtaráin told the Irish Independent.
Many of these speeches will continue the President’s focus on global good security and build on speeches delivered in Senegal and Rome last year.
The plans include, for instance, the upcoming presentation of the Agricola Medal to the President by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
This will be presented in Dublin, and is seen as a signal honour. Medal recipients provide their own choice of inscription, and President Higgins has chosen one that reflects food security as “the seeds of world peace.”
It is also understood he is due to receive another accolade in Africa later this year, possibly in Egypt, but officials are staying tight-lipped.
During his time in office, Higgins has consistently raised the importance of food security and highlighted the links between food insecurity and global poverty, migration, debt, and climate change.
He has raised the issue in meetings with global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Pope Francis, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
President Higgins — who was warmly greeted by crowds on O’Connell Street — has continued to carry out a wide range of work over the period of recovery.
This includes his Constitutional duties such as the consideration and signing of legislation, and an Article 28 meeting with the Taoiseach, who the President met ahead of Leo Varadkar’s departure to the United States for St Patrick’s Day including his meeting with President Biden.
In addition, the President has held phonecalls with the President of Malta George Vella (the two Presidents have exchanged State Visits in recent years and Malta are currently an elected member of the UN Security Council) and a long conversation with the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.
The President has also issued his annual St Patrick's Day message, which built on a number of his statements with regard to the horrific humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Áras said: “It is expected that the President will receive the resignation of the Taoiseach and appoint the new Taoiseach and members of Government at Áras an Uachtaráin as appropriate.”
