Irish President Catherine Connolly delivers address at Ulster University

President Catherine Connolly made her first official visit to Northern Ireland at Ulster University's Belfast campus, praising the campus and emphasising the Good Friday Agreement, peace and shared heritage.

President Catherine Connolly spoke at Ulster University's Belfast campus on her first official visit to Northern Ireland since taking office in November after winning 63% of the vote. She thanked First Minister Michelle O'Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly and Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Paul Bartholomew for their welcome. Connolly described the new Belfast campus as symbolic of the university's role in innovation, community and regional regeneration. She said the visit is an opportunity to celebrate the island's heritage and peaceful coexistence. Key points: - This was her first official visit to Northern Ireland since being elected Uachtarán na hÉireann in November with 63% of the vote. - She praised Ulster University's new Belfast campus and noted the university was awarded Times Higher Education University of the Year 2024. - Connolly highlighted the Good Friday Agreement, noting its 28th anniversary will be marked on 10 April and outlining its elements such as power-sharing, cross-border cooperation and commitments to demilitarisation. - She acknowledged that many families continue to live with grief from the conflict and said it is a collective responsibility to address their needs and questions with integrity. - She said she looks forward to viewing John Hume's Nobel Peace Prize and other awards when she visits the Guildhall in Derry tomorrow. Summary: Connolly's address emphasised peace, reconciliation and the value of shared heritage while marking this as her first official visit to the North. She referenced the Good Friday Agreement and the coming 28th anniversary, and noted ongoing work to address the legacy of the conflict. She will visit the Guildhall in Derry tomorrow to view John Hume's Nobel Peace Prize.