Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will not attend Catherine Connolly inauguration

"I have received an invitation for the inauguration events for the Irish president on Tuesday but it will not be possible for me to accept due to a number of other commitments in Belfast and Windsor. Tuesday marks Remembrance Day, an important day for so many. I am scheduled to attend a service and to participate in an Act of Remembrance in Parliament Buildings before travelling to Windsor Castle at the invitation of Their Majesties The King and Queen"

"for a special reception to commemorate VJ Day 80th anniversary to honour veterans of the Second World War, and in particular of the Pacific on this day of remembrance. It is therefore not possible to also attend the inauguration."

"I wish Catherine Connolly well as she takes up office, recognising that this is undoubtedly a significant personal honour for her, and I hope to speak with her personally in the next number of days."

First Minister Michelle O'Neill will attend the presidential inauguration at Dublin Castle. Emma Little-Pengelly received an invitation but cannot accept because she has other commitments in Belfast and Windsor on Remembrance Day. She is scheduled to attend a service and participate in an Act of Remembrance in Parliament Buildings before travelling to Windsor Castle at the invitation of Their Majesties The King and Queen. The Windsor reception will commemorate the VJ Day 80th anniversary to honour Second World War veterans, particularly those in the Pacific. She offered good wishes to Catherine Connolly and hopes to speak with her soon.

Read at Irish Independent