Dermot Kennedy and Gavin James pay tribute to Michael D. Higgins

Dermot Kennedy:

I feel so lucky to have had a president for the last 14 years who has always been so supportive of dreamers and artists. Someone who has always spoken out against injustice, and has given a voice to the people and communities who need it most. We’re so lucky to have had a poet as our president, a man who led with empathy and dignity for so long.

Gavin James:

Every time he talks, you’re just enthralled – the way he can get the whole room’s attention.

My missus, she’s from Greece, and she was there at the Arás gig [for Irish Music Month last year]. The way he talked about people in the country, and coming over from different countries to live and build a life in Ireland for themselves, really touched a big part of her as well.

He’s just incredible. I’ve loved being able to play there twice and to have met the man twice. And the wife and the dogs. But yeah, he’s the best, and it’s sad that he’s not going to be president anymore, I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’ll be sad to see him go anyways. He’s an absolute legend.

Read our in-depth cover story interview with Michael D. Higgins – and tributes from Cillian Murphy, Bob Geldof, Niall Horan, Dermot Kennedy, Denise Chaila and more – in the current issue of Hot Press, out now: