Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I join other Senators in welcoming the news that the Queen may visit these shores. I was around when Prince Charles visited here in 1995 and remember that although the vast majority of people I saw welcomed him, there were some protests. Things have moved on since. Our relationship with Britain has matured. As previous Senators said, last week's announcement of the findings of the Bloody Sunday inquiry have helped, as have the maturing political allegiances in the North of Ireland. Therefore, the proposed visit is welcome. I do not mind whether the Queen goes to County Leitrim or to County Kerry as long as she starts off in County Meath. Racing is the sport of kings and we have the Queen's Plate on Bellewstown hill. It would be wonderful to see the Queen turn up at Bellewstown and enjoy the races there.