Visit proves we're friends and equals
QUEEN Elizabeth's arrival in Dublin tomorrow will be heartily welcomed by the overwhelming majority of this country's citizens. It symbolises, to quote British Prime Minister David Cameron, "the strong partnership and friendship" between Ireland and the United Kingdom.
That partnership and that friendship do not prevail only at the levels of politics, administration or commerce, but to every aspect of the two islands' life. Family ties are closer, social intercourse more numerous, than in any other pair of countries.
No wonder. We speak the same language. We watch the same television programmes. We read the same authors. We share much of a long history -- too much, indeed. Too many "old, unhappy, far-off things and battles long ago".
Not sufficiently far off or long ago for complete comfort, but most have overcome that history. We have worked together, often under great strain and pain, to settle the thorny issues that stood in the way of full rapprochement and understanding.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny may have exaggerated a little when he hailed the royal visit as the beginning of a new era, but he was right when he spoke of healing the past and facing the future with courage. The first issue is almost complete, and the visit will set the seal on it. The second is in our own hands and hearts.
We are going through a crisis beyond past imagining. Our national morale has taken blow after blow. But the crisis has strengthened, rather than weakened, our relationship with our closest neighbour. Those who prefer to dwell on "old, unhappy, far-off things" have failed to understand the crucial change. It is a relationship between two independent countries. It is a long time since Britain had, in the words of former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Brooke, "any selfish strategic or economic interest" in any part of Ireland.
It is also a relationship marked by tolerance at every level. Millions in Britain were born in Ireland or claim recent descent. During the Northern Troubles, some suffered discrimination, violence or injustice, but incidents were rare and efforts to make amends were genuine.
Meanwhile, the Irish in Britain continued to flourish in the arts, entertainment, business and every field of endeavour. Some became, and remain, popular heroes. They can give testimony to British tolerance.
Throughout, it became apparent that it was the monarch's personal wish to visit the Republic. Several members of her family came here, including the heir apparent. Clearly, they were precursors to an eventual state visit. President Mary McAleese developed a personal relationship with Queen Elizabeth during her own long tenure of office, and nurtured the queen's interest.
Arranging the event has taken much longer than expected. Although it has never been publicly stated, the reason obviously was fears for our eminent visitor's security. Those who wish her harm are few, those willing to inflict harm fewer still.
They are also ignorant of our own history and do not understand the rich symbolism that surrounds the event; but ignorance and lack of understanding make them more dangerous. No risks can be taken, and the inevitable inconvenience to the public must be borne.
The itinerary is most remarkable. Her visit to Croke Park will evoke memories of the first Bloody Sunday, but also of Constable Ronan Kerr, murdered while working to preserve the peace of this island; and of another symbolic moment, when 'God Save The Queen' was first sung there. There could hardly be a stronger image of reconciliation and tolerance than the laying of a wreath in the Garden of Remembrance. It should not be spoiled by unseemly demonstrations.
Queen Elizabeth has waited a long time for this. It is part of her own place in history. We can be sure that she will make every word and every gesture tell. And our own leaders will find ways of persuading her of our respect and affection for her and her people, and our rejoicing at the free and equal relationship of our two countries.
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