Irish President Michael D Higgins has defended his decision not to attend a church service marking the centenary of Northern Ireland, denying it was a snub to the Queen. The event, scheduled for 21 October in Armagh, will be attended by the Queen.
President Higgins said he declined the invitation because the event had become politicised. He stated that the title of the service—'to mark the centenaries of the partition of Ireland and the formation of Northern Ireland'—was 'not a neutral statement politically' and made it 'inappropriate' for him to attend as head of state.
Speaking in Rome after meeting Pope Francis, Higgins clarified that organisers had always referred to him as 'president of Ireland', correcting an earlier statement about the invitation. He insisted he had 'no difficulties appearing in Northern Ireland with Her Majesty' and had been a regular visitor.
The decision drew criticism from DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who called it a 'disappointing and retrograde step'. Higgins responded that criticism from the DUP was 'a bit much', noting their lack of attendance at his events in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald supported Higgins, tweeting that partition was a 'catastrophe'. The party said it would also decline an invitation if received. Archbishop Eamon Martin expressed disappointment, saying Higgins' absence was 'unexpected'.
