Taoiseach would welcome a visit by the Queen

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has said a visit by Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland would be a “good development” and a symbol of how far relations between the two countries have progressed.

Mr Cowen revealed yesterday that the two governments had begun the process of arranging such a visit. He said he hoped it would take place before President Mary McAleese finished her tenure in November of next year.

“We have started the process between both prime ministers’ offices whereby we can look to this prospect. As I say, I would like to see it happening during the tenure of our own president.”