Late taoiseach had hoped to attend dinner with Queen

THE late Garret FitzGerald had “hoped” to be well enough to attend the state banquet in Dublin Caste in which Queen Elizabeth delivered a historic speech just hours before he passed away.

The visit of the monarch was the “fruition” of the commitment of the former taoiseach to bringing about peace and reconciliation between Ireland and Britain, the Dáil heard.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was joined by speakers on all sides on the House in praising his role in Anglo-Irish relations and linking his vision with this week’s royal visit.