Seems Lizzy's on the way...

[BonnieShels]

Slow news day and all but the righteous indignation has kicked off over on politics.ie about this... thought it was worthy of our shores...

A visit by Queen Elizabeth to the Republic is on the cards for next year
before the end of President Mary Acleese's term in office.

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin said that he still expected
developments on the visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011 but it would not
happen in the lifetime of the present Government.

[...]

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ne...-15041195.html

Smells like another FF rouse. I'd say since it became abundantly clear they weren't going to be in power they have been pushing it to get going so that Inda will have to welcome her. FF can then use their righteous indignation card.

Personally I think its a bad idea right now and should be immediately dropped as a plan as soon as the new lads are in.

[osarusan]

I don't have any problem whatsoever with it, although I wouldn't have any interest in actually going to see/catch a glimpse of her.

What I would have an objection to is the Irish government forking out millions on security and 'pomp' after all the austerity measures. And I'd be afraid that the Irish govt would (mistakenly, in my opinion) think that a lavish reception for the Queen would be a way of gaining respect for Ireland in the UK and beyond.

[BonnieShels]

That's precisely my reason for saying its a bad idea.
In time maybe. Just not 2011. And all the more reason so its not McAleese welcoming her.

[shantykelly]

even as a nordie, i can honestly say i dont care. there are a lot more important things to be dealing with at the minute than an unnecessary visit from an anachronistic head of state.

[Aberdonian Stu]

Is this news? The impending Lizzy visit has been known about for over a year.

[BonnieShels]

The impending visit is now a confirmed visit and this is why it would be newsworthy now.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Newsworthy only in the amount tedious fawning it could generate.

And her 'ficial' nickname is 'Brenda', not Lizzy!

Maybe a banner with " Cead Mille Failte , Frau Saxe-Coburg Gotha"?
Ironically the auntie got a card from yer woman yesterday!!!

[dantheman]

She should be invited. And ignored. As low key possible.

I'm sure the Sunday Independent will have a 64-page pullout!

[bennocelt]

That's precisely my reason for saying its a bad idea.
In time maybe. Just not 2011. And all the more reason so its not McAleese welcoming her.

Exactly, that one is a joke. God I miss the days of Paddy Hillary, who you would barely see all year.
As for the visit I wouldn't be too hot on it

[SkStu]

i think it is nice to see first Robinson and then McAleese trying to maximise the scope and effectiveness of probably the most useless and powerless title in Irish politics. I despise Hillary for treating it like a nice little retirement deal.

[Lim till i die]

i think it is nice to see McAleese trying to maximise the scope and effectiveness of probably the most useless and powerless title in Irish politics.

The print of her arse in the government jet, the munster final fiasco, comparing her upbringing as a poor downtrodden subsidised northern catholic with that of a jew in nazi germany, talking down to people about austerity.

She is utterly, utterly, dislikable.

And don't even get me started on the other one.

[SkStu]

i didnt say she was likeable. I said she utilised a formal position to its maximum, something to be admired as practically every other President, prior to Robinson (who did an excellent job of maximising the role of the President), had used it as little more than a retirement home providing cheap flights, good photo ops and a free pen.

[Lim till i die]

What's admirable about it?? What effectiveness?? Where??

[SkStu]

ill let you figure out what is more admirable or effective about utilising the scope of the Presidential role to its maximum vs sitting in Aras an Uachtarain signing papers and taking cushty trips to other countries for nothing until the term is up.

So first, its you just dont like McAleese and now its that you dont like McAleese and also dont like any President doing anything remotely worthwhile.

[The Fly]

The print of her arse in the government jet, the munster final fiasco, comparing her upbringing as a poor downtrodden subsidised northern catholic with that of a jew in nazi germany, talking down to people about austerity.

She is utterly, utterly, dislikable.

Are you a Free Presbyterian?