In July it emerged that Mr Higgins had written a letter of congratulations to Iran’s new president Masoud Pezeshkian, which caused a backlash online and drew criticism from the Israeli embassy as well as several Government TDs, who said he should not have sent the correspondence due to Tehran’s human rights record.

Michael D Higgins was slammed last month when the letter to Masoud Pezeshkian became public - but the Irish president says the note was sent as normal diplomatic practice

MICHAEL D HIGGINS has accused Israel of leaking a letter he wrote congratulating the President of Iran on his appointment. Higgins made the comments today while speaking to the media in New York, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly.

The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has accused the Israeli Embassy in Dublin of circulating a letter he wrote to the President of Iran. The Israeli Embassy in Dublin has labelled Higgins' comments as "baseless", "highly inflammatory and potentially slanderous".

President Michael D Higgins has accused Israel of leaking a congratulatory letter he wrote to the newly elected president of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian. Mr Higgins was criticised last month by some politicians for the letter, a copy of which originally circulated on social media.

President Michael D Higgins has alleged that a letter he wrote to the newly elected president of Iran was leaked to the press by the Israeli Embassy in Dublin.

Michael D Higgins came under fire for writing a letter to the president of Iran and telling him he had a 'crucial role' to play in peace in the region