Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I do, and I do not underestimate the importance of the significance - symbolically or practically - of the first State visit by an Irish President to Britain since the foundation of the State. President Higgins will fulfil his duties admirably and set out in his own unique fashion the range of historical, academic, educational, social and cultural connections between the people on the two islands. This goes back to the point raised by the Deputy about whither the peace process. I am reminded of the words of former US President Clinton in Derry when he said we had to finish the job. The five groups in Northern Ireland party to the Haass talks must get to grips with a position where young people in Northern Ireland have found the political process is a blockage to the future, as it is tied to the past in a way in which it will not let go. We all understand it is not right and proper to forget what happened in the past but there is a way of dealing with it.

I expect the President, in his comments and engagement with the Irish diaspora over the next few days, to set out in his own unique way another platform by which this engagement can take place. It was in July 1593 go ndeachaigh Gráinne Ní Mháille thall go Londain ag caint le Banríon Éilís a hAon. Ní i mBéarla nó i nGaeilge a bhíodar ag caint, ach i Laidin. A second formidable personality from the west of Ireland was the first to make the connection in Buckingham Palace and there was a third formidable personality in the form of former President McAleese. This is an occasion for everybody to reflect on where we can go from here.

Perhaps it is a pity the Deputy First Minister did not visit Dublin Castle when the Queen was here just a couple of years ago. I do not want to sound a discordant note but the importance of the issue then was equal to now. In any event I hope the occasion in Britain will be outstanding for the Irish diaspora and people, as well as the connection between our two people and Governments. I noted Deputy First Minister McGuinness's comments about being invited to the Queen's house. It is some house.

See this speech in context