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Visit shows it's a long way from the crown to the castle

The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins. Photo: PA Expand

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The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins. Photo: PA

The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins. Photo: PA

The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins. Photo: PA

Gerry O'Carroll

I WONDER what the generations of long-gone Irish navvies would have made of this week's historic state visit to Britain.

Michael D Higgins  is the first Irish president to embark on such a lengthy trip – a schedule of four days involving meetings with royalty and the British Prime Minister.

It's all a long way from cold-water flats on the Kilburn Road and morning starts outside the Crown in Cricklewood.

It shows just how far both of our countries have some since those waves of Irish emigration to Britain in the 40s, 50s and 60s.

This week's trip is, of course, linked to the hugely successful visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland three years ago.

Her healing words of friendship and reconciliation at that time were hugely important.

President Higgins' trip this week will serve to copper-fasten the new, close relationship between our two countries.

HONOUR

It is a singular honour that our first couple will be guests in Windsor Castle.

This visit and the Queen's 2011 trip are the real and welcome fruits of the Good Friday Agreement. This visit is truly a historic one for our two nations.

Irish eyes were smiling the length and breadth of Britain yesterday, I'm sure.

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