Irish president declines invite to NI centenary service

 Irish president declines invite to NI centenary service

Irish President Michael D Higgins has declined an invitation to attend a church service with the Queen next month to mark Northern Ireland's centenary.

The service is being held in Armagh city at the end of October.

Mr Higgins' non-attendance has been criticised by unionist politicians, who have asked whether it is an "official snub" of centenary events.

A spokesman for the president said he was not in a position to attend.

It is understood he had been expected at the event.The spokesman said it been communicated to the organisers and that the president has conveyed his good wishes to the Queen.

"The president has welcomed and continues to welcome any opportunities to meet with her majesty and members of her family," said the spokesman.

The Catholic primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, will attend along with the heads of the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland and the Irish Council of Churches.