“Now there’s the healthy option of simply getting on with the neighbours.”

In contrast to John’s northern cynicism, in the Irish Times Fintan O’Toole is optimism personified on the impact of the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland  [Keep the noise down in the attic, please – Ed].  Indeed.  From the Irish Times article The combination of all of these factors made the visit an oddly liberating occasion. No one would have thought that the British queen could free Ireland, but she did help to free us from the crippling insecurities of …

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The President’s Speech in Dublin Castle, 2011…

For the historic days that are in it… A Shoilse Banríon, A Mhórgacht Ríoga, A Thaoisigh, a Phríomh-Aire, a Chéad Aire, Tánaiste, Rúnaí Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus a aíonna oirirce, fearaim céad míle fáilte romhaibh tráthnóna go Caisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath ar ócáid atá thar a bheith speisialta ar fad. Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, Taoiseach, Prime Minister, First Minister, Tanaiste, Foreign Secretary, Distinguished Guests: It is my pleasure to welcome you to Dublin Castle this evening on this the first …

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“President McAleese is pleased to announce that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has accepted”

The BBC reports confirmation from Buckingham Palace that Queen Elizabeth II has accepted the invitation from Irish President, Mary McAleese, to visit Ireland later this year.  Despite the objections from some…  The iol report has the quotes from President McAleese In a statement, the office of President Mary McAleese said the timing of the visit would be confirmed at a later date. “President McAleese is pleased to announce that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has accepted an invitation to visit …

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Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Bill will not be referred to Supreme Court

Despite the reported concerns Mick noted here, RTÉ are reporting that Irish President Mary McAleese has signed the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Bill into law after a three-hour meeting of the Council of State. From the RTÉ report The Council of State has 22 members, including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, two senior judges, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, and the Attorney General. Former President Mary Robinson, five former Taoisigh and two former Chief Justices are also members, as are …

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Cowen: No obstacle to Queen Elizabeth II visit

As RTÉ reports [Updates added] The Taoiseach has indicated that Queen Elizabeth II will probably make a state visit to Ireland before the end of next year. Speaking in London after a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Mr Cowen indicated the visit might be before the end of President Mary McAleese’s second term in office at the end of next year. The Taoiseach said that no obstacle now exists to prevent a state visit to Ireland by Britain’s queen …

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