TRIBUTES:EUROPEAN COMMISSION president José Manuel Barroso led the congratulations to the State's ninth President, Michael D Higgins, saying he looked forward to meeting him during Ireland's presidency of the EU in 2013.
“You are taking office at an important time, as Ireland takes resolute action to address difficult economic circumstances, and in doing so is setting an example for other countries facing similar challenges,” Mr Barroso said.
Queen Elizabeth II has sent her best wishes in a private message to the new President, according to a spokesman for Buckingham Palace yesterday.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams extended his “solidarity and congratulations” to the new President on his inauguration.
Speaking from the US, Mr Adams urged Irish-Americans to play an active part in the constitutional convention planned by the Government for next year.
“As the inauguration of Michael D Higgins takes place it is important that we support the right of Irish citizens living in the North of Ireland and others in the diaspora who hold Irish passports, to vote in future presidential elections.
“Ireland is an island in transition, in part because of the peace process but also because of the economic crisis.
“There is an opportunity to build a new Ireland – a new Republic, and the diaspora can play a positive and constructive role in that.”
Mr Adams was in New York attending the annual Friends of Sinn Féin dinner and is participating in the Boston-Northwest Golden Bridges conference in Boston.
Siptu general secretary Joe O’Flynn welcomed the inauguration as President of a long-time member and activist of the union.
“His vision of a society based on equality and social solidarity is one we share and we look forward to assisting in his endeavours to achieve it in the years to come,” he said.
“We are extremely proud of the contribution Michael D Higgins has made to our country through his long career as a union activist, human rights campaigner and politician and we look forward to supporting the work he will do as an inspirational President,” Mr O’Flynn added.
Extending its congratulations to Mr Higgins, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament said it looked forward to an inclusive presidency that will cherish all citizens.
Macra na Feirme national president Alan Jagoe welcomed the series of presidency seminars outlined by the President and said it was apt that the focus of the first seminar was on young people in Ireland.
“Young people are our future and Ireland’s greatest resource and this announcement sends a very positive signal that the President has put them to the fore.
“I look forward to young people, including Macra members, participating in this very positive event,” Mr Jagoe said.