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  • First Minister and deputy First Minister welcome Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland to Stormont Castle

    Topics:
    • Co-operation

    Date published: 4 February 2026

    First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly today welcomed Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland, to Stormont Castle during her visit to Belfast.

    Image of three people - pictured left to right are: First Minister Michelle O’Neill, President of Ireland Catherine Connolly and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly
    Pictured left to right are: First Minister Michelle O’Neill, President of Ireland Catherine Connolly and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly

    The visit follows President Connolly’s recent inauguration as the 10th President of Ireland.

    First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: 

    “I was delighted to welcome Catherine Connolly, Uachtarán na hÉireann, to Belfast today. Her inauguration was a landmark moment - not just in Ireland’s history, but for all our people.

    “President Connolly has been a strong advocate for equality, accountability, and the Irish language throughout her career. Today’s visit underlines the importance of continuing to work together on opportunities that benefit every community across this island. I look forward to what we can achieve when we listen, learn, and act together.”

    Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: 

    “We had a positive engagement with President Connolly.

    “I believe in building positive working relationships, particularly important in the context of our closest neighbour, based on mutual respect.”

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