05/02/2026
First Minister And Deputy First Minister Host President Of Ireland At Stormont
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.
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.
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.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 October 2025
Catherine Connolly Elected Tenth President Of Ireland
Catherine Connolly has been elected the Tenth President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann), following a landslide victory in the election held on Friday, 24 October 2025. The official result was announced at Dublin Castle shortly before 7.30pm on Saturday, 25 October 2025.
Catherine Connolly Elected Tenth President Of Ireland
Catherine Connolly has been elected the Tenth President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann), following a landslide victory in the election held on Friday, 24 October 2025. The official result was announced at Dublin Castle shortly before 7.30pm on Saturday, 25 October 2025.
16 September 2021
Irish President Turns Down Invite To Mark NI Centenary
The DUP has asked the Irish President Michael D Higgins if he is "officially snubbing" Northern Ireland's centenary. Strangford MLA Peter Weir has written to the Irish President asking if his office is joining the SDLP and SF in boycotting events which mark NI's centenary.
Irish President Turns Down Invite To Mark NI Centenary
The DUP has asked the Irish President Michael D Higgins if he is "officially snubbing" Northern Ireland's centenary. Strangford MLA Peter Weir has written to the Irish President asking if his office is joining the SDLP and SF in boycotting events which mark NI's centenary.
14 March 2007
Paisley and Adams discuss deals
The DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams have met with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown in London today. The separate meetings follow the Northern Ireland Assembly elections last week that saw the DUP and Sinn Fein romp home as the two largest parties in the suspended NI Assembly.
Paisley and Adams discuss deals
The DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams have met with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown in London today. The separate meetings follow the Northern Ireland Assembly elections last week that saw the DUP and Sinn Fein romp home as the two largest parties in the suspended NI Assembly.
04 February 2002
Trimble and Durkan pay respects to World Trade Centre victims
Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan have paid their respects to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York during a wreath-laying ceremony at Ground Zero. The first and deputy first ministers were on the second day of a week-long visit to the US, and laid the wreath on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.
Trimble and Durkan pay respects to World Trade Centre victims
Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan have paid their respects to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York during a wreath-laying ceremony at Ground Zero. The first and deputy first ministers were on the second day of a week-long visit to the US, and laid the wreath on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.
15 March 2011
Stormont Leaders Head To USA For Paddy's Day
There's a hearty breakfast on offer in the USA tomorrow for NI's two top politicians. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness today began a short visit to Washington D.C. ahead of this week's St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Stormont Leaders Head To USA For Paddy's Day
There's a hearty breakfast on offer in the USA tomorrow for NI's two top politicians. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness today began a short visit to Washington D.C. ahead of this week's St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.