President Catherine Connolly arrives at Stormont for NI visit

By Claudia Savage and Rebecca Black, Press Association

President Catherine Connolly has been greeted by Northern Ireland’s First Minister and deputy First Minister at the start of her three-day visit.

The engagements this week are Ms Connolly’s first official visit to the region during her presidency.

She arrived at Stormont Castle on Wednesday morning, where she was welcomed by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

All three shook hands and Ms O’Neill told Ms Connolly, “it’s great to have you here”, showing her the front of the castle which is the home of the Stormont Executive.

The trio also posed for pictures for gathered media before walking up the steps together.

In her inaugural speech, Ms Connolly said she looked forward to her “first official visit to the north” and referenced Article 3 of the Irish constitution, which sets out the firm wish of the Irish people for a united Ireland under consent.

The President will later deliver an address at the Ulster University Campus in north Belfast at 1.30pm.

Over the course of the day, she will also visit a number of community initiatives in Belfast.

The President’s official visit to Northern Ireland will continue on Thursday and Friday with engagements in County Londonderry.