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22/06/2012
Martin McGuinness Will Meet The Queen
Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness will meet the Queen when she visits Northern Ireland next week.
The decision was made by a special leadership meeting of the party today (Friday June 22) following weeks of intense speculation over whether Mr McGuinness would shake the Queen's hand.
Sinn Fein have boycotted royal visits in the past but things are different on this trip – the Queen’s visit was announced in advance, which for security reasons was not possible before, and Mr McGuinness has said he wants to be a Deputy First Minister for "everyone in Northern Ireland".
The potential handshake would mark a major milestone in the development of post-conflict Northern Ireland.
Mr McGuinness and First Minister Peter Robinson have been invited to attend a reception along with the Queen and the Irish President Michael D Higgins.
It will be a reception of the cross-border charity Co-Operation Ireland, which the Queen and the Irish President are joint patrons of.
Speaking after the his party's meeting, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams described the decision as a "significant initiative" which presented major symbolic challenges for Irish republicans but said it reflected Sinn Fein's "genuine desire to embrace our unionist neighbours".
The event, which will focus on local arts, is not part of the Queen’s official Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
(NE)
The decision was made by a special leadership meeting of the party today (Friday June 22) following weeks of intense speculation over whether Mr McGuinness would shake the Queen's hand.
Sinn Fein have boycotted royal visits in the past but things are different on this trip – the Queen’s visit was announced in advance, which for security reasons was not possible before, and Mr McGuinness has said he wants to be a Deputy First Minister for "everyone in Northern Ireland".
The potential handshake would mark a major milestone in the development of post-conflict Northern Ireland.
Mr McGuinness and First Minister Peter Robinson have been invited to attend a reception along with the Queen and the Irish President Michael D Higgins.
It will be a reception of the cross-border charity Co-Operation Ireland, which the Queen and the Irish President are joint patrons of.
Speaking after the his party's meeting, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams described the decision as a "significant initiative" which presented major symbolic challenges for Irish republicans but said it reflected Sinn Fein's "genuine desire to embrace our unionist neighbours".
The event, which will focus on local arts, is not part of the Queen’s official Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
(NE)
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Paisley rejects Adams' nomination for First Minister post
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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.
