EU Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso has extended his congratulations to Michael D Higgins on becoming the State's ninth president.
Mr Higgins became president at an inauguration ceremony in Dublin Castle today. Shortly before 12.30pm, Chief Justice Mrs Susan Justice Denham read the presidential declaration to Mr Higgins, who repeated and signed it. Mrs Justice Denham then handed over the presidential seal to Mr Higgins.
In a statement, Mr Barroso said: "On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to offer you my warmest congratulations on your inauguration as President of Ireland.
"You are taking office at an important time, as Ireland takes resolute action to address difficult economic circumstances and in doing so, is setting an example for other countries facing similar challenges."
Mr Barroso added he looked forward to meeting Mr Higgins during the Irish presidency of the EU in 2013.