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09/02/2011
Queen's Visit To Be 'Sprung On Ireland'
This spring could see the first ever visit by The Queen to the Republic of Ireland.
Discussions to set a date for the visit are underway, with the Irish Times saying that a three-day trip by Queen Elizabeth II (pictured here on a recent visit to NI by Brian McCalden) is anticipated in May this year.
"Discussions on the timing of the visit have been held repeatedly over recent months with the British Embassy in Dublin, British officials in London and, more recently, with Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny," said one of the paper's journalists - although no official invitation has been extended.
The last serving British monarch to visit the Irish capital was George V in 1911 - before the Irish Republic gained independence from Britain.
Enda Kenny, the man tipped to be the new Taoiseach, said a royal trip was "overdue".
With more than two weeks to go before the Irish 25 February poll, he has 'stuck his neck out' and advanced his theory that it would be Fáilte Ireland for the British Queen: "Many members of her family have been frequent visitors to Ireland," he said.
"I actually think that this visit of the Queen would be very warmly received by the vast, vast majority of the Irish people - a declaration, a signature event, of the growing up of two countries and two peoples," he said.
He's taking a political gamble as, the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams - who has quit his West Belfast seat at Westminster to contest the Irish poll in Louth - said he thinks "it's premature and too soon".
Reacting soon afterwards, the DUP MP for East Londonderry, Gregory Campbell said that regular visits by the Irish President were commonplace in Northern Ireland and commented: "Gerry Adams has informed the people of the Irish Republic that the forthcoming visit of HM Queen to that country is "premature and too soon".
"He has demonstrated the total lack of understanding of the concept of accepting people for what they are. He has moved considerably from the position he was in some 30 years ago but by this statement he has shown how much further he needs to travel on his political journey.
"The President of the Irish Republic can, and does, visit this country on a frequent basis and has done so for years yet when the Queen's first visit, which has been delayed for years, is finally about to occur he objects to it.
"Mr. Adams does not see the irony of him welcoming the Irish Republic's Head of State coming here regularly but objecting to the British Head of State going for the first time to the Republic.
"This is another gaffe to add to an already impressive lis," the DUP MP said.
Mary McAleese will end her second term of office as the Irish President in 2011 - and is well known for promoting cross-border and west-east relationships between Ireland and the United Kingdom.
She has also jointly hosted ceremonies of remembrance at World War I battlefield commemorations in France with The Queen, and has also met her in Northern Ireland during an official visit by Her Majesty.
It had been anticipated that The Queen might come to Ireland to join established ceremonies of remembrance for Irish soldiers in the 1914-18 'Great War', but this seems less likely now - as a spring visit becomes increasingly likely.
Just last week, the Queen's eldest son, Prince Charles, was in one of Belfast's best-known Roman Catholic chapels to view the architectural splendour of the refurbished church - and was warmly greeted by senior church clerics.
See: Royal Visitors Welcomed To Palace
See: Queen To 'Cross Boyne' For Republic Visit?
(BMcC/KMcA)
Discussions to set a date for the visit are underway, with the Irish Times saying that a three-day trip by Queen Elizabeth II (pictured here on a recent visit to NI by Brian McCalden) is anticipated in May this year.
"Discussions on the timing of the visit have been held repeatedly over recent months with the British Embassy in Dublin, British officials in London and, more recently, with Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny," said one of the paper's journalists - although no official invitation has been extended.
The last serving British monarch to visit the Irish capital was George V in 1911 - before the Irish Republic gained independence from Britain.
Enda Kenny, the man tipped to be the new Taoiseach, said a royal trip was "overdue".
With more than two weeks to go before the Irish 25 February poll, he has 'stuck his neck out' and advanced his theory that it would be Fáilte Ireland for the British Queen: "Many members of her family have been frequent visitors to Ireland," he said.
"I actually think that this visit of the Queen would be very warmly received by the vast, vast majority of the Irish people - a declaration, a signature event, of the growing up of two countries and two peoples," he said.
He's taking a political gamble as, the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams - who has quit his West Belfast seat at Westminster to contest the Irish poll in Louth - said he thinks "it's premature and too soon".
Reacting soon afterwards, the DUP MP for East Londonderry, Gregory Campbell said that regular visits by the Irish President were commonplace in Northern Ireland and commented: "Gerry Adams has informed the people of the Irish Republic that the forthcoming visit of HM Queen to that country is "premature and too soon".
"He has demonstrated the total lack of understanding of the concept of accepting people for what they are. He has moved considerably from the position he was in some 30 years ago but by this statement he has shown how much further he needs to travel on his political journey.
"The President of the Irish Republic can, and does, visit this country on a frequent basis and has done so for years yet when the Queen's first visit, which has been delayed for years, is finally about to occur he objects to it.
"Mr. Adams does not see the irony of him welcoming the Irish Republic's Head of State coming here regularly but objecting to the British Head of State going for the first time to the Republic.
"This is another gaffe to add to an already impressive lis," the DUP MP said.
Mary McAleese will end her second term of office as the Irish President in 2011 - and is well known for promoting cross-border and west-east relationships between Ireland and the United Kingdom.
She has also jointly hosted ceremonies of remembrance at World War I battlefield commemorations in France with The Queen, and has also met her in Northern Ireland during an official visit by Her Majesty.
It had been anticipated that The Queen might come to Ireland to join established ceremonies of remembrance for Irish soldiers in the 1914-18 'Great War', but this seems less likely now - as a spring visit becomes increasingly likely.
Just last week, the Queen's eldest son, Prince Charles, was in one of Belfast's best-known Roman Catholic chapels to view the architectural splendour of the refurbished church - and was warmly greeted by senior church clerics.
See: Royal Visitors Welcomed To Palace
See: Queen To 'Cross Boyne' For Republic Visit?
(BMcC/KMcA)
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Hopes Rise For Queen's Irish Visit
A top British diplomat has said he is "very hopeful" a Royal visit to the Irish Republic by Queen Elizabeth will come to fruition soon. Out-going UK ambassador to the Republic, David Reddaway said he expected the much-mooted trip to happen "before too long". Speaking to the Irish Times Mr Reddaway said: "I hope it'll happen soon.
25 February 2008
Anne's Croke Trip Paves Way For Queen's Irish Visit
As The Queen prepares to make a ground-breaking first visit to Co Armagh next month - to distribute Maundy money at St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral - there was intense security at the weekend when the Princess Royal took the lead with an historic visit across the border.
Anne's Croke Trip Paves Way For Queen's Irish Visit
As The Queen prepares to make a ground-breaking first visit to Co Armagh next month - to distribute Maundy money at St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral - there was intense security at the weekend when the Princess Royal took the lead with an historic visit across the border.
20 March 2008
Political Storm Over McAleese's Royal 'Veto'
Irish President, Mary McAleese who once had to apologise after she compared NI unionists to WWII Nazis – has again enraged the same section of the community. She has sparked unionist fury after effectively putting a veto on a much-anticipated possible visit to the Irish Republic by the Queen.
Political Storm Over McAleese's Royal 'Veto'
Irish President, Mary McAleese who once had to apologise after she compared NI unionists to WWII Nazis – has again enraged the same section of the community. She has sparked unionist fury after effectively putting a veto on a much-anticipated possible visit to the Irish Republic by the Queen.
24 June 2010
Queen To 'Cross Boyne' For Republic Visit?
It has emerged the Queen may pay a visit to the Republic of Ireland for the first time since the beginning of her reign. After a meeting between the Prime Minister David Cameron in London and Taoiseach Brian Cowen, plans have surfaced that the Queen's first state visit to Ireland may come before the end of next year.
Queen To 'Cross Boyne' For Republic Visit?
It has emerged the Queen may pay a visit to the Republic of Ireland for the first time since the beginning of her reign. After a meeting between the Prime Minister David Cameron in London and Taoiseach Brian Cowen, plans have surfaced that the Queen's first state visit to Ireland may come before the end of next year.
06 May 2008
Is Queen Next For Republic As Paisley Crosses The Boyne?
As yet another historic event takes place today in the Irish republic - with Northern Ireland's outgoing First Minister Ian Paisley, meeting with outgoing Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern - to open a visitors' centre, a much anticipated possible royal visit to The Republic is again in the spotlight.
Is Queen Next For Republic As Paisley Crosses The Boyne?
As yet another historic event takes place today in the Irish republic - with Northern Ireland's outgoing First Minister Ian Paisley, meeting with outgoing Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern - to open a visitors' centre, a much anticipated possible royal visit to The Republic is again in the spotlight.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
