'It was privilege to be president'

Michael D Higgins' emotional last public appearance

- BY ANDREW E QUINN

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins bade an emotional farewell yesterday at what was his final scheduled public appearance.

There was a round of applause for the 84-year-old at the end of the Remembrance Sunday service as people wished him well for when he officially steps down as President of Ireland tomorrow.

Speaking at the event, which was held at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, President Higgins described his 14 years in the role as "a privilege".

He said: "It was a privilege to be Uachtarain na hEireann and particularly, it was a privilege to meet the wonderful people who came to see us in Aras an Uachtarain.

"They were all so welcome and they also appreciated being part of a kind of inclusive society that we are all aiming for."