18/05/2011

Irish State Visit 'Remarkable', Says PM

Joining Her Majesty the Queen on the State Visit to the Republic of Ireland today, the Prime Minister said the visit was “remarkable” and demonstrated the fact the relationship between Britain and the Republic of Ireland had “never been stronger”.

David Cameron will meet with the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny for bilateral talks before joining The Queen at a State Banquet.

The Queen has been conducting a State Visit to the Republic since Tuesday – the first for a British monarch for 100 years.

Speaking today, the PM said: “I think it demonstrates that the relationship between Britain and the Republic of Ireland is strong and probably has never been stronger, and with a successful devolution of policing and justice that made this visit possible.

He added: “I think the scenes on our television screens last night of the visits Her Majesty made to heal the wounds of the past but also to look to a very bright future between our two countries are remarkable and hugely welcome.”

Foreign Secretary William Hague, who is also attending the State Visit, said the occasion marked a “transformation in the relationship between Britain and Ireland”.

The visit by the PM follows an earlier meeting between Mr Cameron and Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Downing Street in April.

(BMcN/GK)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

24 June 2010
Queen To Visit Republic
It has emerged the Queen of the United Kingdom may visit the Republic of Ireland for the first time since the beginning of her reign. After a meeting between the Prime Minister David Cameron in London and Taoiseach Brian Cowen, plans have surfaced that the Queen's first state visit to Ireland may come before the end of next year.
03 February 2014
Queen To Make State Visit For The Anniversary Of D-Day Landings
The Queen has been invited to visit France by President Francois Hollande to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, according to Buckingham Palace. The royal trip will happen on a three-day state visit, which will be from 5 to 7 June. The Queen will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.
08 April 2014
Irish President Starts Historic UK Visit
Irish President Michael D Higgins has been welcomed to the UK by the Royal Family as part of his state visit. Earlier on Tuesday, President Higgins and his wife Sabina met the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle having travelled to the residence in a ceremonial carriage procession though the streets of Windsor.
17 August 2009
Hopes Rise Of Queen's Irish Visit
A top British diplomat has said he is "very hopeful" a Royal visit to the Irish Republic by Queen Elizabeth will come to fruition soon. Out-going UK ambassador to the Republic, David Reddaway said he expected the much-mooted trip to happen "before too long". Speaking to the Irish Times Mr Reddaway said: "I hope it'll happen soon.
17 May 2011
History Made As Queen Arrives In Dublin
The Queen has arrived in the Republic of Ireland and after some quick handshakes, the official motorcade has already moved off.