Time for the big event in Anglo-Irish relations

The question of when Britain’s Queen Elizabeth will visit the Republic has been debated for a long time now.

The powers-that-be have been playing around with all sorts of lead-up visits by various members of her family, but the main event has yet to take place.

Most people would probably agree that, in the new spirit of Anglo-Irish relations, the visit should go ahead.

The idea that circumstances must be ‘absolutely’ right is nonsense because certain elements wouldn’t want it at any time regardless of the political climate.

Like power-sharing in the North, it’s time that the parties here grasped the nettle and started to work in earnest to set down this historic milestone in Anglo-Irish relations.

Whether diehard republicans like it or not, last year’s visit by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall was a complete success. Prince Andrew also played his part when he visited the Taoiseach at Government Buildings.

The problem seems to be whether the visit should be low-key or more extravagant, but the organisers on both sides shouldn’t worry. Old attitudes have died in the Republic where most people are now mainly concerned with maintaining their consumer and leisure lifestyles while struggling with huge mortgages.

History is the least of their worries and, in that context, Queen Elizabeth need have no fears. Her majesty can bring her entire family or just the corgis, as she wishes.

Maurice Fitzgerald

Shanbally

Ringaskiddy

Co Cork