Sunshine and water cannons

Political Reporter Michael O’Farrell says despite some cynicism, it was a day to be remembered.

AS PRESIDENT Mary McAleese approached, Corriere Della Sera's man at Áras An Uachtaráin asked: "Is that the Queen?"

The fleeting moment of Italian humour from the best dressed press man in town wasn't appreciated by the Government press officer who rushed to head off a potential diplomatic incident.