President Connolly appoints first minister to Irish government

President Catherine Connolly has appointed her first government minister, a week on from her inauguration.

She presented Hildegarde Naughton with a ministerial seal of office at Aras an Uachtarain on Tuesday afternoon.

After she arrived at the Aras in Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ms Naughton was greeted by the Secretary General to the President and escorted to the State Reception Room.

Shortly afterwards, President Catherine Connolly signed the warrant of appointment and presented her with the seal of office.

She was then congratulated by the Taoiseach Micheal Martin and the President.