Vote of congratulations to our new president Connolly

A vote of congratulations was passed at Cavan County Council to incoming President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, who was inaugurated today (Tuesday).

At the same time, there was praise for Michael D. Higgins and his 14 years in office.

“Michael D. Higgins has represented Ireland at home and abroad for the past 14 years with dignity, courage, wisdom and compassion,” acknowledged Sinn Féin Cllr Stiofán Conaty.

Speaking at the November monthly meeting of Cavan County Council, he said that President Higgins had “done the state a massive service by moving the dial in a progressive direction on social issues, economic inequality, and speaking up for those left behind.”

Cllr Conaty had “no doubt” that Catherine Connolly will “prove a worthy successor to the outstanding legacy” of President Higgins.

“Catherine Connolly’s landslide election as Uachtarán has shown that there is still cause for hope in Irish politics. She should be commended on her fantastic campaign, which was one of positivity and vision for a new, inclusive, bilingual and united Ireland,” continued Cllr Conaty, who said he was particularly enthused by her commitment to advancing the case for a united Ireland, as well as stating that Irish will be the working language of her Presidency.

“As someone who returned to learn Irish in her later years, she is a symbol of what Poblacht na hÉireann can and should be - a truly bilingual state, which cherishes all the children of the nation equally,” said Cllr Conaty, whose motion was seconded by party colleague Noel Connell, and supported by Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley.