It'll Be Lonely This Christmas Without Galway

First published in Studenty Galway on 21 Dec 2011


President Michael D. Higgins has admitted that he feels a bit homesick in the Aras, saying that he found it "a bit tough" to leave his native county, Galway.

After the election, Higgins had to leave his home quite quickly and move into Aras an Uachtaran, as there was a very short period between election result and inaugration.

"I left Galway quite suddenly," Michael D. told Vincent Browne this morning, "because the election had been pushed out a week because of the referendums and that meant you had a shorter period between the result of the election and the inauguration than you’d normally have. So I just really hadn’t a chance to pack very quickly."

Image: Journal.ie

His wife Sabina, however, has settled into her new life in her new home quite quickly, saying she was eased into it by the staff: "We were eased into it by all the staff. The house has a life of its own, an activity and a rhythm all of its own, and it’s all geared towards the Presidency….Michael was missing Galway a lot because I had a bit more time. I didn’t realise it at first that there was a part of the house that was our house, private, you know. And that would be our home and Michael must think of coming home to there."

Michael D. Higgins has returned home since, to attend two matches. He found these occasions to be very valuable to him: "I was down in Galway since for a Galway United match, about which we won’t say much...and for the Connacht Toulouse Heineken cup match, and they were very valuable."

So Christmas at the Aras, with its large rooms, and impressive demeanor, may be slightly sad for our new President. He may be on the other side of the country, but that can feel like the other side of the world if its not home.

Lets hope he settles in soon, and enjoys his Christmas. But then again, who wouldn't miss Galway?

21 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson