The Irish President and the British Prince co-signed a scroll for the University of Liverpool’s Irish Institute
Michael D. Higgins met with Prince Charles in Liverpool during the Irish President's three-day tour of Britain on Tuesday.
RTÉ reports that President Higgins was in Liverpool along with Prince Charles to mark a day celebrating the people and culture of the city.
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While there, President Higgins and Prince Charles were named co-patrons of the Irish Institue at the University of Liverpool during a ceremony at the Victoria Gallery and Museum.
The signing of the joint patron agreement - a proud moment for the Institute! pic.twitter.com/3dbA3I2tH0
— Irish Studies@LivUni (@IrishInstitute) February 12, 2019
Professor Dame Janet Beer, University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor, said: "The Institute of Irish Studies plays a huge role in shaping the relationship between our islands, through its research, events, student programmes and expertise.”
Prior to their reception, the President and the Prince had a private 15-minute meeting.
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While in Liverpool, the President of Ireland addressed the Brexit situation, telling The Irish Times: “I think there is no benefit whatsoever in a coarsening of the language and there are indications that it is happening and I think I might plead with people for patience in relation to this.
“Matters that are complex require what I call mind work and that’s important.
“There isn’t any value for anybody…on the British side saying the Irish are difficult or the Irish are responsible for us not getting a deal. There’s no value whatever in it. No more is there for people indulging in some kind of ancient atavism or calling out of it atavistic echoes of saying aren’t the Brits terrible.”
The Irish President did acknowledge that he regrets that the UK has opted to leave the European Union.
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“As a political scientist, I would say there are serious issues over the quantity of information that was made available, including the distortions of information that perhaps were offered to the public who had to make a choice. And then you would go further and say well it is if you’re seeking opinion on such a complicated matter, there are responsibilities that go with it,” he said.
Later, at a business lunch, the President said: “We will all benefit from authentic regionalism with the capacity to ascertain possibilities and difficulties, establishing policy, make investment choices and be accountable to the people.”.
“Such a regional approach, as you are pursuing here in Liverpool, might also foster opportunities for more bespoke co-operation and collaboration with Ireland, approaches tailored to your strengths and particular circumstances, and through which we can achieve new possibilities together.”
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