First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly yesterday welcomed Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland, to Stormont Castle as she began a three-day official visit to Northern Ireland.

The visit is a significant milestone, marking the President's first official trip across the border since she was inaugurated as the 10th President of Ireland in November 2025. During the meeting, the leaders discussed the importance of cross-border cooperation and the strengthening of relationships between the two jurisdictions.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "I was delighted to welcome Catherine Connolly, Uachtarán na hÉireann, to Belfast today. Her inauguration was a landmark moment—not just in Ireland's history, but for all our people. "President Connolly has been a strong advocate for equality, accountability, and the Irish language throughout her career. Yesterday's visit underlines the importance of continuing to work together on opportunities that benefit every community across this island. I look forward to what we can achieve when we listen, learn, and act together."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: "We had a positive engagement with President Connolly. I believe in building positive working relationships, particularly important in the context of our closest neighbour, based on mutual respect."

Following the meeting at Stormont Castle, the President continued her itinerary in Belfast, which included a keynote address at Ulster University and visits to several community initiatives. Her tour is set to continue today and tomorrow with a series of engagements in Derry.