President of Ireland visits UK Parliament
8 April 2014
The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, gave an address to members of both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 8 April in the Royal Gallery of the Palace of Westminster.
It was the first time an Irish head of state has addressed the UK Parliament. In 2007, Bertie Ahern became the first Taoiseach of Ireland to address UK parliamentarians at Westminster.
Commons Speaker, John Bercow MP, gave a welcome address introducing President Higgins' speech.
The Lord Speaker, Baroness D’Souza, thanked President Higgins following his address.
After the address, at a private reception with parliamentarians, President Higgins had the opportunity to view a selection of works of art from the Parliamentary Art Collection and acts from the Parliamentary Archives on display in the Robing Room. The artefacts were chosen to represent the UK's connections with Ireland.
Further information
- Commons Library note: Speakers addressing members of both Houses of Parliament
- Follow us on Twitter: @UKHouseofLords and @HouseofCommons