AFTER THE POMP and ceremony of yesterday’s trip to meet the Queen, today will see President Michael D Higgins meet the head of the British government.
The President and his wife Sabina will start the day with a visit to University College Hospital in London before heading to the Royal Society and then lunch with David Cameron at 10 Downing Street.
While the President is visiting the Royal Society and Downing Street, his wife Sabina Higgins will undertake a separate programme which comprises a visit to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and she will attend a lunch at the Irish Embassy focusing on the theme of Irish fashion and design.
In the afternoon, the President and Sabina will attend a Youth Workshop at City Hall, titled “Taking Charge of Change Together”.
It will involve young people from Ireland and the UK who participate in Gaisce – The President’s Award and the UK equivalent – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
The President will be greeted on arrival at City Hall by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. After being briefed by representatives of the young people on the content of their Workshop, the President will make an address.
Later in the evening the President will receive a courtesy call by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, at Buckingham Palace.
Afterwards the President and Sabina attend a banquet at the Guildhall hosted by the Lord Mayor of London, Fiona Woolf. There, he will address some 700 guests.
Also today, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny is involved in a number of public events including a business breakfast this morning.
Meanwhile, the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore will be meeting with his counterpart, British foreign secretary William Hague at the Foreign Office.
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