President Michael D. Higgins will unveil an Irish famine memorial in Perth today, as part of his 24-day visit to Australia and New Zealand.
The focus of the trip is on strengthening cultural, historical and economic links between the countries.
This is the first State Visit to Australia by an Irish President in almost two decades and will include engagements with the Australian Prime Minister, aboriginal elders and members of the Irish business community and the diaspora – as well as attending the Australasian GAA Championship Games.
Today the Irish famine is commemorated, with the unveiling of a monument in Perth. Tomorrow President Higgins becomes the first Head of State to address the joint Houses of Parliament of Western Australia – before heading on to Melbourne, Tasmania, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane later in the week.
The president will deliver as many as two dozen speeches during his visit, focusing on the historic connections between Ireland and Australia ….of tourism, culture and economic links, before beginning a State Visit to New Zealand next week.
