Lessson from the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland
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| President McAleese greets the Queen |
1. Whatever your views on the role of the monarchy, or your particular opinions on the House of Windsor, it must be said that the choreography of the visit, and indeed the choice of destinations, has been absolutely top notch. By visiting the Garden of Remembrance first she was acknowledging the primary reason for the abnormal relations between the two countries and she was humbling herself at the shrine of another countries fallen dead, a huge number of whom were killed at the hands of forces under the command of her family. The solemnity of the wreath laying ceremony and the poignancy of playing 'God Save the Queen' was a tour de force in ice-breaking and set the tone for the rest of the visit. The Islandbridge ceremony was just as important, and so vital in highlighting the sacrifice of the brave men who sacrificed both life and reputation by joining the crown forces. In this way she was repaying their loyalty by ensuring not only that they were recognised on this visit but that they were afforded equal status as those who died fighting for Irish freedom. The Croke Park trip was a homage not only to a green patch of Irish history but also to the largest and possibly most influential Gaelic, or Irish, organisation in the world. It was a recognition of the individuality and the vibrancy of Gaelic Ireland, a recognition of an Irish historical tradition that has nothing to do with her realm and is community based in structure.
2. The noisy minority were just that. Barely worth a mention and, although the police security cordons were protocol and precautionary, hardly worth a watchful eye. More a nuisance that any sort of a real representation they just served to put the city on lock down and ensure that the Queen wouldn't get to meet any regular Irish people.
3. Mary McAleese has proved to be a fine stateswoman and an excellent representative of the whole island. Hailing, as she does from Belfast, and always looking to include the Queens northern subjects in Dublin functions, she has been an excellent host and facilitator during this visit, and she will be a hard act to follow.
4. The tones of both the President's, and the Queen's, speeches was bang on the money; recognition, regret, reflection and a look towards the future co-operation between the two countries.
5. Sinn Fein missed out by absenting themselves. Politically I don't know how well it would have gone, within their own constituencies, for either Adams or McGuinness to be seen shaking hands with a Windsor, but in terms of a worldwide audience now it seems like they are the stubborn 'no' men, refusing to recognise the realities of modern politics.
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| The Queen and President McAleese at the Garden of Remembrance |
6. Prince Phillip is a spring chicken at 90. I think history may remember him as a gaffe-prone husband of Elizabeth, always lagging a few paces behind, looking forlornly like he's just been scolded but lets not forget the work he does for young people in the UK and, as he proved adressing the recipients of the Presidents award, the interest he takes in the capacity of young people to achieve their potential.
7. What was all the fuss about? She should come over more often, have everyone dress up and fell like there's no economic crisis and show the remaining physical force republicans up to be outdated.
