Queen Elizabeth II

Queen to receive apology during Dublin visit next year

John Ó Néill on October 28, 2010, 9:33 am

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Breathtaking stuff from Fine Gael’s Michael Ring yesterday during the Dail debate on the economy. Deputy Ring told the Dáil that when Queen Elizabeth II (of England) visits Ireland, possibly next year that she should be handed back control of the country. He also, helpfully, suggested that she receive an apology for the mess that has been made in the country during her absence. His exact words were: Now look at the mess we’re in, and look at the mess this country is in. Next year the queen is talking about coming …

FMdFM: “It was important that we were there and right that we were there…”

Pete Baker on September 22, 2010, 7:21 pm

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The First and deputy First Ministers continue their evasive response to criticism of their failure to accept their invitation to attend Pope Benedict XVI’s official welcome on the first-ever papal state visit to the UK. One’s clinging to his political psychosis/comfort blanket, the other’s claiming they were double-booked. That’s why you have junior ministers, guys. As for the Northern Ireland deputy First Minister’s claim that he “also [has] some grounds for believing [a Papal visit to Ireland] could happen as soon as 2012”. What grounds would …

“The first king of England to visit us was Henry II in 1171…”

Pete Baker on June 28, 2010, 3:55 pm

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With Elizabeth II reportedly on her way, in the Irish Times Denis Fahey provides a short history of royal visits, beginning in 1171 with Henry II. And he notes a speech by George V in Belfast, 1921. King George VI visited Northern Ireland on a number of occasions, and Queen Elizabeth has been there frequently, but the most significant visit of a British royal in the last century was probably the one made by George V in June 1921, when …

Cowen: No obstacle to Queen Elizabeth II visit

Pete Baker on June 23, 2010, 6:53 pm

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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 …