Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Does the Taoiseach agree that, notwithstanding the importance of costs, the need to have value for money to underpin everything we do in public life, investment in tourism and other secondary benefits that may flow from such visits, the fundamental rationale for the visit of Heads of State - in this instance the Heads of State of Great Britain and the United States of America - is the normalisation of relationships that should exist between kindred countries, which have long historic links of family, kinship, investment, trade and so forth? It is the normal thing to do. Does the Taoiseach agree that the importance of the visit of the Queen of England is that it reflects the transformation in the set of relationships between the people of this island and the people of Great Britain? This is the ultimate motivating factor in welcoming the Queen of England at this juncture in our history when we have collectively travelled a significant journey towards peace and reconciliation. Above everything else, this is the fundamental reason this visit should be welcomed.

In the context of the visit of President Obama, we should consider the historic and very important links between our two countries, the powerful Irish diaspora in the United States and their sense of kinship with the island of Ireland throughout the generations. The visit of President Obama reflects the personification and manifestation of this strong and vibrant relationship which is still thriving and which is of value to the future of this country and to our diaspora in Great Britain and the United States.

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