Adams softens position on visit of queen

SINN FÉIN president Gerry Adams has all but welcomed the visit of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth to Ireland next week, saying he hoped it would strengthen ties between the countries.

In a remarkably conciliatory statement issued last night, the TD for Louth and East Meath said the visit provides a unique opportunity for the British establishment to display its support for better relations between the two islands.

He said that if such was the case “it will be a matter of considerable pleasure, not just for her Majesty, but for the rest of us as well”.