Political climate not right for royal visit

IN extending an invitation to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to visit Ireland “when political developments in Northern Ireland permit”, President McAleese confirmed her strong personal desire for such a visit to take place.

While acknowledging the inclusiveness and reconciliatory ethos of Mrs Mary McAleese’s presidency, I believe it to be totally inappropriate and divisive for such a visit to take place while some issues affecting Northern Ireland remain unresolved.

Not alone is Queen Elizabeth head of state, she is also head of the British armed forces holding various titles, among them colonel-in-chief of all the Guards’ regiments.