HISTORY OF SPEAKING OUT

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins’s barb at Elon Musk was not the first time he has flown close to the wind in his commentary.

In March, President Higgins – who is bound to remain politically neutral – waded into a debate on Ukraine’s neutrality as Russia waged war on the country. He appeared to suggest Ukraine should remain a neutral country and should speak to other neutrals on ‘what is involved in defining defence and security’.

His comments appeared to differ from Government policy, as no members had previously commented on Ukraine’s neutrality. President Higgins also courted controversy in September 2021, when he declined an invitation to a religious ceremony in Northern Ireland to mark the centenary of partition.

He noted the event had become politicised and he was accused of ‘snubbing’ Queen Elizabeth with his decision.

In October 2020, President Higgins stated that he had ‘considered all options available’ to him before signing the controversial Mother and Baby Homes Bill into law. The President usually signs Bills without passing comment.