Speeches By President Of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins

As President of Ireland may I send you my warmest wishes for a peaceful and a Happy Christmas and New Year. Christmas signals a time of light and hope, a time when we move beyond the Winter Solstice, "An Grianstad", and perhaps begin to anticipate the longer days of light to come. It is also a time when we can all reflect on its central theme – the story of Mary and Joseph seeking refuge in Bethlehem for themselves and their unborn child, and being repeatedly told that there was ‘no room at the inn’. Here in Ireland, we have our own long history of emigration, of movement, of journeys of leavings and exile. At this time of year we recall with pride, not only the contribution our diaspora make to the culture and life of their new homes, but also we remember those Irish who may be experiencing a sense of loss of belonging, away from their origins, loved ones, and who are hurting at this time. It is right that we think of them, and not only at Christmas. The generous contributions received from our emi