The Government has moved to play down speculation about an early visit by the British monarch. The speculation was fuelled by the Minister of State Liz O'Donnell who told the Dáil this afternoon that plans were in train for a visit by Queen Elizabeth following the removal of the territorial claim to Northern Ireland. This evening a Government spokesman said that an early visit was unlikely as much detailed planning had to be undertaken ahead of such occasions and an invitation would only follow close consultations between the British and Irish governments. He said that the Government would warmly welcome a visit by the Queen but there have been no specific discussions on the issue.
The President McAleese lunched today with the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Mrs McAleese described today's events as the most historic day of her life. She said the matter of an exchange of State visits was not discussed, but that the Queen was very excited by today's events. The President said that an interrupted friendship between the two islands had been resumed.
