Elizabeth’s visit should not coincide with the Famine Queen’s anniversary

THIS proposed visit by Queen Elizabeth II for autumn next year will coincide with the 150th anniversary of her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria’s visit to Killarney in 1861.

I find that her visit provokes controversy from the very hint of her relative. Victoria is without doubt not viewed with high esteem here in Ireland.

During her reign, when this country was being ravaged by the Great Famine she blocked a donation of £10,000 from the Ottoman Sultan, she demanded he only donate £1,000.