Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This is the first visit of a reigning British monarch to the Twenty-six Counties of the Republic of Ireland in more than 100 years. As the Deputy is well aware, it is the conclusion of a long period, and is a demonstration of this country having grown up that the President of Ireland and the Queen of England can meet here. The symbolism of that is extraordinary and shows, in many ways, an end to a long separation. The Queen comes to our shores as a welcome visitor, to a country with a proud history and record, facing the challenges of the future with a great potential.

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