First Minister and deputy First Minister welcome President of Ireland Catherine Connolly to Stormont Castle

First Minister and deputy First Minister welcomed Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland to Stormont Castle during her visit to Belfast. Pictured left to right are: First Minister Michelle O’Neill, President of Ireland Catherine Connolly and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have welcomed Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland, to Stormont Castle during her official visit to Belfast.

The visit comes shortly after President Connolly’s inauguration as the 10th President of Ireland, marking a significant moment in political and civic life across the island.

President Connolly’s visit to Stormont Castle was framed as an opportunity to reaffirm dialogue and cooperation between political leaders north and south, at a time when relationships and mutual understanding continue to carry heightened importance.

Speaking following the meeting, First Minister Michelle O’Neill highlighted the wider significance of the occasion, describing President Connolly’s election as a milestone that resonates beyond the Republic of Ireland.

“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,” she said.

The First Minister also pointed to President Connolly’s long-standing record of public advocacy, noting that her career has been shaped by a commitment to social justice and cultural inclusion.

“President Connolly has been a strong advocate for equality, accountability, and the Irish language throughout her career. Today’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,” Ms O’Neill added.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly described the meeting as constructive, emphasising the value of stable and respectful engagement between neighbouring administrations.

“We had a positive engagement with President Connolly,” she said.

“I believe in building positive working relationships, particularly important in the context of our closest neighbour, based on mutual respect.”

The visit to Stormont Castle reflects the evolving relationship between political leaders across the island of Ireland, with a shared emphasis on cooperation, respect and dialogue.

For many observers, President Connolly’s presence in Belfast so soon after her inauguration also carried symbolic weight, highlighting her intent to engage with all communities and political traditions.

As President Connolly continues the early months of her presidency, her visit to Northern Ireland is likely to be viewed as an early signal of her approach to cross-border engagement and inclusive leadership.