McAleese 'will be invited back to Shankill Road'

President Mary McAleese will be invited back on to the loyalist Shankill Road in Belfast, a leading loyalist claimed today.

Ulster Defence Association Commander Jackie McDonald moved to defuse tensions about Mary McAleese’s visit to Belfast today following her comments last month comparing anti-Catholicism in Northern Ireland with the Nazis’ hatred of the Jews.

Mr McDonald, who visited Belfast City Hospital, which was the first stop on President McAleese’s itinerary today, said she had put an awful lot of work into reaching out to the loyalist and Protestant community who had taken offence at her comments.

He added: “I know, no matter what she said or whatever way it was taken, it wasn’t meant that way.

“She has put an awful lot of hard work into what she is doing and she will continue to do so and I will 100% support her.”

President McAleese pulled out of plans to visit a primary school on the Shankill Road today amid fears that her presence would spark protests.

But Mr McDonald said: “The Shankill Road people have been through an awful lot and are very understanding.

“I have no doubt that in time she will be welcome on the Shankill Road.”