Eamon Gilmore and William Hague: Ireland and Britain ... Royal Reconciliation

On Tuesday, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh begin a four-day state visit to Ireland. It is a historic event in relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom – the first such visit since Irish independence in 1921 changed political relations on these islands.

It is fitting that it is taking place before the end of Mary McAleese’s term in office. The Irish President, the first to have been born in Northern Ireland, has made “building bridges” the theme of her presidency. While the two heads of state have met on several occasions, this visit is special – a reflection of the transformed bilateral relationship.

It will celebrate the depth and warmth of our relations. More than six million people in Britain are Irish or have an Irish parent or grandparent, while about three million British visitors come to Ireland every year.

The histories of Britain and Ireland are inescapably entwined. For too long, relations between the nations were marked by conflict and division, mistrust and suspicion. But today we are proud to be friends and neighbours, partners and equals...