04/11/2011

Higgins Plans Inauguration In McAleese Meeting

The Irish Republic's President-elect Michael D Higgins has met with the current President of Ireland Mary McAleese for the first time since his victory last Saturday.

Higgins traveled to Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday afternoon with his wife Sabina to take a tour of the centuries old building that will become their home for at least the next seven years.

Mr and Mrs Higgins had a private meeting with Mrs McAleese and her husband Senator Martin McAleese. The Higgins family were then able to see around the State Rooms as well as the West Wing, which will be their private accommodation for the next seven years.

Higgins will be inaugurated on November 11.

In terms of the inauguration preparations are well underway with 300 soldiers to be involved and a 21-gun salute, parades, escorts of honour and an Air Corps flypast to be organised.

(LB/BMcC)

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