Gesture seals relationship of friends and equals

THE Queen’s visit to Ireland began at noon last Tuesday, but it was another three hours before she touched down. More than her physical presence in the state, it was her gesture at the Garden of Remembrance that brought her into contact with the Irish people. Somebody among the organisers must have realised that the laying of a wreath to those who died for Irish freedom should occur as soon as possible.

In the centuries-old enmity, words have played a significant, often malignant, role. How fitting it was then that no speeches marked Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the Garden in Parnell Square around 3pm on Tuesday. The distant rumble of protest only served to heighten how marginalised are those who want to hang onto past differences. Overhead, a helicopter’s blades cut through the afternoon sky.

Queen Elizabeth was handed the wreath and set it forth. In the course of 300 overseas trips, she has laid a multitude of wreaths, many in dedication to soldiers who opposed her country at some stage of history.