D Day arrives as Prez says warm goodbye

Higgins gives thanks to the Irish people

- BY NICOLA DONNELLY and JONATHAN McCAMBRIDGE

MICHAEL D. Higgins quit Aras an Uachtarain for the final time last night as the nation prepares to see Catherine Connolly sworn in as the 10th head of State.

The 84-year-old and his wife Sabina took their famous dogs and left the Phoenix Park shortly before midnight.

At the stroke of 12 he ceased to be Ireland's first citizen after a rollercoaster 14 years in the park.

In a statement, President Higgins said: "Serving as President of Ireland was a great privilege and I would like to thank the people of Ireland for the warmth of reception which they gave to both Sabina and myself over the past 14 years.

"How valuable it was to be able to join with them in engaging with the issues, projects and ideas that will help us to achieve the best of our country and the best representation of Ireland and its values abroad - an inclusive citizenship and a creative society in a real Republic.

"Guim gach beannacht do mhuintir na hÉireann do'n todhchai."

Later today, Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated following her spectacular election win with 914,143 first preference votes.