IT was a sudden switch from pomp to pig pen for the President yesterday.

Martin McGuinness has heaped praise on Britain’s Queen for the way she influences the peace process.

President Michael D Higgins has hailed the transformation of relations between Britain and Ireland, from doubt to trust and mutual respect. In a historic address to Britain’s Houses of Parliament — the first time Ireland’s head of state has been given the honour — Mr Higgins said the two countries now have a closeness that once seemed unachievable.

The Queen has said that Britain and Ireland shall “no longer allow our past to ensnare our future” at a historic state banquet in honour of President Michael D Higgins.

SEWN together with as much care as this landmark State visit, it was joint admiration of a fan made from handcrafted Youghal lace which saw queen Elizabeth and President Higgins relax into laughter after the spectacle of the welcome to Windsor Castle.

The ceremonial red coat presented by President Michael D Higgins to the mascot of the Irish Guards returned a gesture of friendship made by the regiment more than 40 years ago.

HERE is a transcript of the Queen’s banquet speech for the state visit of President Michael D Higgins: