Growing Up

Heads of States and equals

Tuesday 17 May 2011 was the first of another 4 historic days in Ireland.  Queen Elizabeth II's visit became the first by a British sovereign to the Republic of Ireland. With so many column inches and minutes of airtime covering these 4 days it is wonderful to be able to witness it as if I was at home myself. Seeing President Mary McAleese welcome the Queen of England to Áras an Uachtaráin as a visitor to the country and not a ruler as her forefathers had been was a very proud moment.

Navigating any discussion on the sometimes sensitive topic of Irish political history is akin to a minefield at times.  However, the overwhelming consensus this week is that it's time to take the next step and for everyone to move on.  For me it adds another long lasting memory of hope and pride in Ireland's future.  Previously on the evening of 28 July 2005, relaxing in my apartment during a holiday in Sitges, my eyes welled up with tears as CNN reported that the IRA announced the end of its campaign, and had promised complete decommissioning of all its weapons.  I remember that moment as if it was yesterday and I will remember the image of Queen Elizabeth standing next to President Mary McAleese in the Garden of Remembrance as another of those pivotal moments.

I look forward to watching the remainder of the week unfold and hope it goes as well as day 1.