David Ford MLA said: “Following the success of the Queen’s visit to Ireland in 2011, this state visit by President Higgins is a further significant step in building a positive relationship between the UK and Ireland.
“I am glad to see President Higgins build on the work of his predecessors Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, who both devoted a lot of work to building bridges with the UK.
“I am sure that this visit will be widely welcomed in both Ireland and the UK, and in particular by the Irish diaspora living in Britain.”
ENDS