Great to see it. Tricolour and Union Jack flying side by side on the streets of Windsor. How far we've come and long may it last.
Agree, an important day, Corker. I have no doubt good relations between respective governments will endure. BBC Radio 5 has been broadcasting interviews with relatives of some of those who lost their lives during the troubles in Northern Ireland from both sides. Traumatic and intensely sad to listen to. It brings it all back - when these reports were a daily event in the 1970's.
Agree CORKeR, long may it continue, along with supporting the R'ssss of course and your regular trips over
A very important and historic visit. The Queen visited here a few years ago and received a very warm welcome and I'm sure our President will get the same in London. Our two countries are inextricably linked. The past is the past and people must move on. Irish men fought and died in Irish regiments under the British flag in two world wars and perhaps now, these visits will help rewrite Irish history to look more favourably on these forgotten heroes. Our political, financial and military structures are based on you our neighbours. We have so much in common. I hope this leads to even better relations which will eventually lead to a lasting compromise on NI.
Great speeches by Her Majesty and the President. The Queen made a gag that only an Irishman could persuade her to jump out of a helicopter, RE the Olympic games. Did you see the length of the banquet table? Incredible! Proper grub too I would expect!
I'm mad to beat you on a pool table Col. Just wrapped up my additional work responsibilities, so am free to start planning my weekends again.
From the limited amount I have seen of the coverage on this visit there still appears to be elements of walking on egg shells on both sides with their speeches and they are being very careful to find a form of words that does not offend the other country, but at the same time does not alienate their own people, because despite the progress that has been made over the past few years, in real terms there is too much blood spilt and a very complex religious/political background to simply move on, which means that there are individuals, families and communities who will never forgive and never forget whilst are alive. Being part of the Irish diaspora and second generation in London for the past 40 years gives you an insight in to both sides of the argument and that is why I think it will take a couple of generations and really not in our life time for there to be unconditional peace and where we will reach a point when the blood stains will have faded away to the point that whilst they will always be there in the pavement and soil and the fabric of NI and GB, the effects on the communities will have become more distant and recalled less often. It is all well and good saying that people have to move on, but the reality in those people actually deciding to move on will be harder to achieve.
