Michael D Higgins after his inauguration at Dublin Castle yesterday. He said he would use his second term as president to keep a positive relationship with the UK

Divisive politics can ruin the “warmth of Irishness” and the country’s reputation, Michael D Higgins has warned.

The president said at his inauguration last night that he would use his second term to keep a “positive relationship” with the UK through the challenges of Brexit.

In a speech setting out his commitment to speak up against climate change and international poverty, and for women’s rights and protections for LGBT people, Mr Higgins, 77, thanked the people of Ireland “from his heart” for re-electing him.

Mr Higgins won his second term in Áras an Uachtaráin with 56 per cent of the vote last month. His first term as president officially ended at midnight on Saturday, and yesterday’s inauguration was delayed until the evening to avoid clashing