Ahern: concerns at McGuinness' presence in Windsor understandable

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he can understand the concerns of those who object to Martin McGuinness attending tonight's State Banquet at Windsor Castle.

It was confirmed on Sunday that the North's Deputy First Minister would attend the event.

The Tánaiste welcomed the news as a "significant development".

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live this morning, Bertie Ahern had a message for those whose lives were affected by the Troubles in the north and are unhappy at Martin McGuinness' presence this evening.

"I'd just say to those people that it is terrible that so many people lost their lives, so many people were scarred by bombing and maimed for life, and these were the terrible atrocities of the Troubles," he said.

"There's always the bad end [that] comes out f conflict, but they should always remember, as hard as it is, that a lot of this suffering did lead us to a good position."

Enda Kenny said it is a particularly proud day for the Irish community in Britain, and an example "of the changed relationship between our two countries."