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Motion · S6M-19588 · 5 Nov 2025

Recognising the Conclusion of the Term of President of Ireland Michael D Higgins

Lodged by Paul O'Kane Standard Motion 22 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament recognises the conclusion of the term of the ninth President of Ireland, Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D Higgins, on 11 November 2025; congratulates the president on two consecutive seven year terms as head of state; notes his long and distinguished career in politics and academia in Ireland, including time serving as Mayor of Galway, a senator, a TD and Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht; acknowledges his support for the Irish diaspora around the world, particularly in Scotland and the wider United Kingdom; celebrates his state visit to the UK in 2014 as a guest of the late Queen Elizabeth, the first such visit paid to the United Kingdom by an Irish president and what it sees as an important part of a continuing peace process in Northern Ireland; further celebrates his visits to Scotland, including to Iona in 2013 to mark the 1,450th anniversary of St Columba's arrival on the island, which noted the historic bonds between Scotland and Ireland, and his 2016 four-day visit, which included a historic address to the Scottish Parliament; wishes Michael D well in his retirement; congratulates his successor Catherine Connolly, who was elected as the 10th President of Ireland on 24 October and who will be inaugurated and assume office on 11 November, and looks forward to a continuing strong relationship between Scotland and Ireland, and in particular its large diasporic communities across West Scotland and more widely.

Supporters (22)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.