Humphreys flies the flag in London
Local Minister and Cavan TD, Heather Humphreys, has said it was an “immense honour” to represent Ireland at the St Patrick's Day Parade in London.
She attended a series of keynote events, including the City’s Parade in Trafalgar Square, over the weekend.
Minister Humphreys also addressed the Irish Community at a special ball on Saturday, as well visiting a number of community facilities that provide services to the London Irish.
During her engagements, Minister Humphreys stressed the importance of relations between Ireland the UK and touched on the hugely significant role Irish people play in the UK.
She praised the 60,000 Irish people in London running companies and the 14,000 Irish people working in the National Health Service.
“You have played such a positive role through our Irish networks here in the UK – through business and commerce, through sport, arts and heritage, through community projects, and through so much more," said Minister Humphreys.
"Back home, we are all so very proud of the contribution you make here in the UK,” she added.
“But the message that I wanted to send through the visit was simple: There is so much more that unites us than divides us.
“And while we may have encountered difficulties in the past – they are difficulties caused by politics, not people. And it’s so clear from my visit that our relations are extremely strong, and I believe they will only get stronger.”
The theme of this year’s St Patrick’s Day festivities is ‘One Hundred Years of Ireland in the World’.
The Minister also reflected on the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and how peace must be "protected and cherished at all costs".
“And so, as we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement next month, we are faced with an extraordinary opportunity - an opportunity to celebrate what we have achieved.
“But more importantly, an opportunity to bring our two countries forward, and to do so together,” she concluded.