Michael D Higgins addressed the nation earlier today with a speech broadcast on both national and local radio.

The President of Ireland was keen to send a message of support to the people of Ireland at such an uncertain time, when the Covid-19 crisis continues to devastate the country and indeed, the world. Together with his wife Sabina, he sent condolences to those who have suffered bereavements in recent days.

"In particular, Sabina and I offer our deepest sympathies to those who have been bereaved in recent days and weeks as a result of the pandemic. To those of you, too, who have loved ones in intensive care or who are waiting for results of a test, we offer our solidarity".

He also spoke of the gratitude we, as a nation, owe to our frontline workers who continue to risk their personal safety to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

"We owe all of you an enormous debt of gratitude. We owe, too, a debt of gratitude to the many others who are risking their safety in order to ensure the continued delivery of necessary services – those who work in food production and essential retail, those who continue to care for the vulnerable, and the many others who are making an extraordinary and exemplary contribution to our country at this difficult time".

The President touched on the fact that people have been asked to make sacrifices and that abiding by these restrictions will continue to save lives.

"This is a time when each and every one of us has been asked to make temporary but significant changes to our lives, so as to enable us to protect as best we can those who are most vulnerable to this virus. Further restrictions were introduced over the weekend and difficult as they are, I urge you to abide by them, for all of our sakes".

"In the midst of the worry and fear that now shade our lives, it is important that we do not lose sight of the opportunity we have today to draw on those great Irish instincts of solidarity, empathy and kindness."https://t.co/ZAgbuUvynk #COVID19 https://t.co/TXwYT1C1no

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) April 2, 2020

He also said that the Irish instincts of solidarity, empathy and kindness, are required to help us through this ordeal.

"We may have more dark days ahead of us, but in the midst of the worry and fear that now shade our lives, it is important that we do not lose sight of the opportunity we have today to draw on those great Irish instincts of solidarity, empathy and kindness to allow us to help each other through this ordeal. "As we continue on this journey, let us walk in unity, supporting each other, carefully and fully following the advice that we have been given, thus keeping each other safe. "Casann an roth – the wheel turns. This virus will pass and when it does we can show our appreciation by supporting even more what is local – radio stations, newspapers and the local economy in every way, including retail and services".

You can read the speech in full here.