Northern Ireland’s deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, announced she will not attend the inauguration of Ireland’s next president, Catherine Connolly, due to prior commitments on Remembrance Day.
Little-Pengelly confirmed she received an invitation to the event but declined because she has other engagements scheduled for the same day. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, will attend the inauguration at Dublin Castle.
Emma Little-Pengelly explained her commitments as follows:
“I have received an invitation for the inauguration events for the Irish president on Tuesday but it will not be possible for me to accept due to a number of other commitments in Belfast and Windsor.”
“Tuesday marks Remembrance Day, an important day for so many.”
“I wish Catherine Connolly well as she takes up office, recognising that this is undoubtedly a significant personal honour for her, and I hope to speak with her personally in the next number of days.”
Emma Little-Pengelly prioritizes Remembrance Day ceremonies and a royal reception over attending the presidential inauguration, while expressing her best wishes to Catherine Connolly.
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