President Michael D Higgins highlights homelessness in speech to 3,500 relatives of 1916 veterans

"We have not fully achieved the dreams and ideals for which our forebears gave so much."

This was part of the message President Michael D. Higgins conveyed as he addressed 3,500 relatives of those who were involved in the Easter Rising. The gathering, which took place in the RDS, is part of this weekend's commemorations. The crowd rose to their feet in appreciation when President Higgins said their relatives played a large part in bringing about a “free and independent Ireland”.

Standing ovation for here for @PresidentIRL powerful & uplifting speech to the #1916 Relatives #Ireland2016 pic.twitter.com/ctkpn7jhT0

— Ireland 2016 (@ireland2016) March 26, 2016

He went on to discuss the issues of both homeless and migrants in contemporary society.

Standing ovation for President Higgins, as he addresses relatives of those who fought and died in 1916. Quote: pic.twitter.com/h5BERoO1wr — President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) March 26, 2016