Much to be gained from royal visit

A STATE visit by Queen Elizabeth next year is yet another visible sign of the transformation which has taken place over recent years between Ireland and Britain. There is nothing to fear from such a visit, and much to be gained.

Our group, Reform, which has been working for better relations between Ireland and Britain for years, warmly welcomes the proposals for the forthcoming visit as an expression of better relations between our two states.

The visit would mark a further logical step of the Belfast Agreement, as Alban Maginness of the SDLP has said.

We have no doubt the great majority of Irish people will extend a warm welcome to Queen Elizabeth, just as they did to her grandfather, George V, 100 years ago next year.

Her visit will reflect the sense of a coming-together between the two traditions on our island and between the peoples of these islands.

Robin BuryRoy Garland STR Gamble Pierce Martin

The Reform Group

Military Road

Killiney

Co Dublin