President Higgins Stands By His Decision Not To Attend Northern Ireland Centenary Mass

President Michael D Higgins says he won't attend a church service to commemorate the centenary of Northern Ireland and partition because it is political in nature.

The memorial is to take place in Armagh next month with Queen Elizabeth in attendance - with President Higgins being accused of snubbing her.
President Higgins has rejected the allegation and says that in the invitation he was referred to as the President of the Republic of Ireland, but that he is the President of Ireland.
Michael D Higgins is in Italy to meet the Pope today as part of a four day visit.