Michael D Higgins has been sworn in for his second term as President.
In a ceremony last night at Dublin Castle, he again took up the seal of office to serve for another seven years.
The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and most of the cabinet led the delegation for the Government.
The ceremony was opened with a prayer from Christian, Jewish and Islamic religious representatives.
In a wide ranging speech the President spoke about climate change, domestic violence and the importance of examining Ireland's violent past.
He also rebuked politicians for a lack of long term thinking on various issues, said democracy needs to be strengthened and we'll have to strengthen our relationship with the UK post Brexit.
