2011-05-17 13:42:57

Britain's Queen Elizabeth arrives in Ireland on historic state visit


Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has arrived in Ireland on an historic state visit amid a huge security operation. Earlier this morning the Irish army blew up a makeshift bomb in a stark reminder that a small minority remain violently opposed to continued British rule in Northern Ireland. The Queen's visit, is designed to show how warm neighbourly relations have replaced centuries of animosity. Peace in Northern Ireland after decades of conflict has paved the way for the monarch’s four-day stay.

“What’s remarkable is that it (the visit) has taken so long” says Belfast based expert in Irish politics, Robin Wilson. He adds that “relationships between Ireland and Britain have really been quite normal for quite a long time".

Mr Wilson also says that despite this visit aimed at cementing warm relations, the threat in Northern Ireland from dissident republicans is very serious.

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