The weekly newspaper for Irish expats in the UK secured an exclusive interview with the country’s president – months after attacking him for refusing to speak to them.

The Irish Post was originally promised the interview by Michael Higgins during a visit to London last year.

But when it failed to materialise, the paper attacked him in a front page comment, sparking controversy in the Irish community.

All was forgiven last week however after the London-based title finally secured what editor Murray Morse called an “extraordinarily frank”interview.

Said Murray:  “Our persistence paid off and we were at long last able to tackle him about his pledges to the Irish people living in Britain, made when he was running for the Presidency.”

In the interview, Mr Higgins vowed to help what he called the ‘forgotten generations’ of Irish people who went to Britain to help their families back home, and now find themselves living in poverty.

He also promised to use his seven years in office to help and assist young Irish people who are struggling to build their lives in Britain and further abroad.

And he revealed that he had first-hand experience of trying to establish a life in Britain and having to deal with racist stereotypes.