On Tuesday, November 12, 2025, Ireland will witness the inauguration of its 10th president, Catherine Connolly, in a ceremony at Dublin Castle. Yet, the event is already stirring conversation across the Irish Sea, as Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has confirmed she will not be among the dignitaries in attendance. Her decision, while officially attributed to prior commitments, has become a focal point for wider debates about political symbolism, cross-border relations, and the evolving landscape of Irish and Northern Irish politics.
Emma Little-Pengelly, a leading figure in the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), announced on November 7 that she would not be able to attend President-elect Connolly’s inauguration. Citing a packed schedule on Remembrance Day, Little-Pengelly explained, “I have received an invitation for the inauguration events for the Irish president on Tuesday but it will not be possible for me to accept due to a number of other commitments in Belfast and Windsor.” She further detailed, “Tuesday marks Remembrance Day, an important day for so many. I am scheduled to attend a service and to participate in an Act of Remembrance in Parliament Buildings before travelling to Windsor Castle at the invitation of Their Majesties, the King and Queen for a special reception to commemorate VJ Day 80th anniversary to honour veterans of the Second World War, and in particular of the Pacific on this day of remembrance. It is therefore not possible to also attend the inauguration.”
According to BBC News and other outlets, Little-Pengelly’s absence is notable not just for its timing, but for its departure from precedent. In 2011, DUP leader Peter Robinson joined then-deputy first minister Martin McGuinness at the inauguration of President Michael D Higgins. However, during Higgins’ 2018 re-election, no DUP representative attended due to the suspension of the Stormont institutions at that time.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill, of Sinn Féin, will be present at the inauguration, accompanied by party president Mary Lou McDonald. Their attendance underscores the political diversity of Northern Ireland’s leadership and the differing approaches to cross-border engagement. Little-Pengelly, for her part, extended her best wishes to the new president, stating, “I wish Catherine Connolly well as she takes up office, recognising that this is undoubtedly a significant personal honour for her, and I hope to speak with her personally in the next number of days.”
While some observers accept Little-Pengelly’s explanation at face value, others are reading between the lines. BBC News political correspondent Gareth Gordon remarked, “On the face of it, Little-Pengelly has a valid excuse for not attending the event. However, there will be those who will take what she said at face value and those who will suspect other motives.” The timing—Remembrance Day, a date of deep significance for many in Northern Ireland—adds a layer of complexity, as does the current political climate surrounding Irish unity and the changing dynamics between unionist and nationalist communities.
Unionist perspectives on the matter are far from monolithic. Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister urged fellow unionists to shun the inauguration, arguing, “There should be no question of Emma Little-Pengelly bowing to nationalist pressure and attending the inauguration of the president of the Irish Republic.” Allister’s statement went further, describing Connolly’s campaign as marked by “nakedly sectarian attacks on a rival candidate simply because she was a Protestant,” and warning, “She has made no secret of her far-left agenda, one which will see the Irish Republic risk further alienating traditional Western allies. In these circumstances, it would be wholly wrong for any unionist representative to legitimise such a presidency by their presence.”
Yet, not all unionists share this viewpoint. Former Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Steve Aiken has confirmed he will attend the inauguration, telling The Irish News, “It’s up to the deputy first minister and her party whether she goes or not – I’m going and I’ve absolutely no qualms about it. It’s the office of the President of Ireland and an invitation from the Republic of Ireland’s head of state, our nearest neighbour. Our party’s always been about good north, south and east, west relations, so why not? It’s about showing how confident we are.” Aiken’s attendance, as a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and a frequent visitor to Dublin, highlights a pragmatic approach to intergovernmental relations on the island.
Meanwhile, some former DUP advisers, like Tim Cairns, have argued the deputy first minister should have attended, noting that unionist politicians would likely accept invitations to other international inaugurations, such as those in the United States or France. This split within unionist ranks reflects broader debates about the symbolism of such events and the ongoing negotiation of Northern Ireland’s identity within the United Kingdom and in relation to the Republic of Ireland.
For many, the focus remains on Catherine Connolly, whose election as president is itself a historic moment. Connolly, endorsed by Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and Labour, secured a landslide victory in October 2025. Her political journey spans 17 years as a Galway city councillor, including a term as mayor, and she made history in 2020 as the first woman elected as Leas-Cheann Comhairle (deputy speaker) of the Dáil. A passionate Irish speaker and accomplished sportswoman, Connolly is known for her advocacy on social issues and her commitment to inclusive politics.
Connolly has not shied away from her vision for the future of the island. She has stated her desire to see a united Ireland in her lifetime, but has been clear about the constitutional requirements for such a change. As BBC News reported, Connolly has emphasized that Irish unity can only be achieved “by peaceful means and the consent of voters in both parts of the island.” This stance, while warmly received by some, remains a point of contention for others, particularly among unionists concerned about the implications for Northern Ireland’s constitutional status.
The inauguration will see a gathering of political leaders and dignitaries from across Ireland and the UK, but the absence of Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister is a reminder of the delicate balance that still shapes relationships on the island. The symbolism of attendance—or non-attendance—at such ceremonies is not lost on the public or the political classes. As the region continues to navigate questions of identity, sovereignty, and reconciliation, these moments become touchstones for broader debates.
Looking back, attendance at previous inaugurations has often reflected the state of North-South relations. Peter Robinson’s attendance in 2011 alongside Martin McGuinness was seen as a gesture of goodwill and pragmatism, while absences in subsequent years have sometimes been attributed to political deadlock or institutional suspension. In this context, Little-Pengelly’s decision is both a personal and political statement, one that will be parsed and debated for weeks to come.
As Catherine Connolly prepares to take office, the varied responses to her inauguration underscore the complexities—and opportunities—of Irish politics in 2025. The event will be remembered not just for who attends, but for what their presence, or absence, says about the evolving relationship between North and South, and the possibilities for dialogue and cooperation in the years ahead.
