Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last Friday was a very significant day, as were the other two days of the visit of Prince Charles and Camilla to this country. I was in Glasnevin Cemetery when Prince Charles visited the graves of Michael Collins, Éamon de Valera and James Joyce's parents and unveiled the Victoria Cross. This is very significant, which some people may not realise. I was also in the British Ambassador's residence and it was great to see the leaders of the other parties there. It was very significant that the leader of Sinn Féin, Gerry Adams, shook hands with Prince Charles. There is a normalisation of politics on both islands. With Brexit on the horizon, we need more of these interactions between the island of Ireland and the island of Britain. It is important that we not let this day pass without recognising the symbolic success of another visit.Prince Charles has said he wants to come back to most of the counties in Ireland. I believe the people of Ireland are welcoming and it is amazing how things have changed in the past six years since the Queen’s visit. Relations between ourselves and the United Kingdom are at an all-time high. This augurs well in facing the difficult challenges of Brexit.