In the absence of Little-Pengelly, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is not sending a representative to attend the inauguration, with party leader Gavin Robinson insisting it is not a “snub”.
He said the party would be “pleased” to meet Connolly when she visits Northern Ireland in the future in her formal capacity.
Ulster Unionist Party MLA Steve Aiken is the only unionist politician attending the inauguration in Dublin.
He confirmed he would be attending in place of party leader Mike Nesbitt who has other commitments.
He said it is not a bad look that he is the only unionist attending the event.
“I actually understand the reasons why some of them weren’t able to make it, because obviously [Deputy First Minister] Emma Little Pengelly would be here in other circumstances. But today is Armistice Day. And it’s very important for her to be in Belfast and also to be with our Head of State, the King, in Windsor Castle.
“There’s no snub, or no snub are intended, and that’s why I am here,” he told BBC News NI.
“I am here, I am a unionist, and we have a substantial part of the vote. So we are here and we are showing the respect due to the president.”
He said he had no issue with the deputy first minister missing the inauguration but the First Minister Michelle O’Neill attending.
