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27/06/2012
Queen And Sinn Fein's McGuinness Shake Hands
The Queen and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness have shaken hands at a cross-border event in Northern Ireland.
The deputy first minister and former IRA leader made the symbolic gesture after weeks of 'will they-won't they' deliberations.
Mr McGuinness said the handshake was "a big ask" and he has come under fire by some republicans, who condemned him for meeting the head of the armed forces.
But he said yesterday: "In shaking the hand of Queen Elizabeth I am effectively, symbolically, shaking the hands of hundreds of thousands of unionists."
Mr McGuinness was a commander of the IRA in Londonderry as a young man but insists he left before the paramilitary organisation killed the Queen's relative Lord Mountbatten.
The historic handshake happened in private during an art event run by Co-Operation Ireland, a charity that works to promote cross-border links.
The pair then shook hands in front of the cameras before the Queen left for a lunch at Titanic Belfast and a garden party at Stormont, Northern Ireland's parliament building.
She wore a signature skirt suit in pastel green, with gloves.
The Queen, who is visiting Northern Ireland as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour, attended a Catholic church in the province for the first time yesterday when it held a service of thanksgiving for her 60-year reign.
(NE)
The deputy first minister and former IRA leader made the symbolic gesture after weeks of 'will they-won't they' deliberations.
Mr McGuinness said the handshake was "a big ask" and he has come under fire by some republicans, who condemned him for meeting the head of the armed forces.
But he said yesterday: "In shaking the hand of Queen Elizabeth I am effectively, symbolically, shaking the hands of hundreds of thousands of unionists."
Mr McGuinness was a commander of the IRA in Londonderry as a young man but insists he left before the paramilitary organisation killed the Queen's relative Lord Mountbatten.
The historic handshake happened in private during an art event run by Co-Operation Ireland, a charity that works to promote cross-border links.
The pair then shook hands in front of the cameras before the Queen left for a lunch at Titanic Belfast and a garden party at Stormont, Northern Ireland's parliament building.
She wore a signature skirt suit in pastel green, with gloves.
The Queen, who is visiting Northern Ireland as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour, attended a Catholic church in the province for the first time yesterday when it held a service of thanksgiving for her 60-year reign.
(NE)
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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.
