Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon as Scotland’s First Minister
Date: Wed 15th Feb, 2023 | 17:29
“Nicola Sturgeon’s contribution to public life as First Minister of Scotland has been recognised in Scotland and abroad as a particularly distinguished one.
During her time in office, Nicola Sturgeon brought a freshness and enthusiasm to the tasks of representation and public service that was singular. This was exemplified in the leadership she displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she communicated necessary reassurance with the sharing of practical measures that had to be taken.
Nicola Sturgeon has combined these skills with a warm sense of hospitality, which I encountered when I visited Scotland in 2016. At both this meeting, and on her visit to Áras an Uachtaráin the same year, I was struck by her willingness to discuss contemporary events with a frankness and a respect for complexity and mutual understanding that was very helpful.
May I extend my best wishes to Nicola and her family for the future.
Guím gach beannacht uirthi don todhchaí”