Newly elected Irish president Michael D. Higgins offered a message of hope and confidence as a precursor to his first Christmas in office. In what are trying times for the Irish public, Higgins called for a State “that marries the best of its old wisdom with a new-found learning wrought from the chastening experience of recent troubled times".

While the President offered well-wishes for the holiday season, he noted that "this year will be a Christmas where unemployment, financial insecurity or the absence of a loved one now living abroad will cast a dark shadow".
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However, he goes on to incite hope in the Irish people who are living in both Ireland and abroad, and calls upon their “resourcefulness” to soldier through the hard times of present. He adds how he is honored to serve the Irish people as their president.

Watch President Michael D. Higgins’ Christmas message here: