Tebbit remarks - Moderate voices must prevail

Despite the glowing warmth of Anglo-Irish relations and the atmosphere of genuine friendship enfolding the remarkably successful State visit of President Michael D Higgins to the UK, it would to folly to pretend all is changed utterly.

It was predictable that front-page coverage in the UK press would focus on Martin McGuinness, deputy first minister in the North, and former IRA commander, supping with the Queen. A terrorist in evening dress is still a terrorist, was the theme.

But few could anticipate the bitterness behind the words of Norman Tebbit, former chairman of the Conservative party, when he hoped Mr McGuinness would be assassinated. He said: “There is always the possibility that a member of the Real IRA will be so outraged by Mr McGuinness bowing to the Queen that they might shoot him in the back for it. We can but hope.”