Ahead of the queen of England's proposed visit to Ireland, BRIAN O'CONNELLsamples opinion about where she should go and what she should see
SHOULD THE QUEEN VISIT THE GPO?
Sen David Norris
I think a visit there by the queen would show how very complex our history is underneath the surface. On the one hand she has a strong Irish ancestry, being a direct descendent of Brian Boru and Hugh O’Neill. A lot of people in the GPO were very, very English. Pearse’s father was English, for example. Also others might have had very Irish-sounding names, but Cathal Brugha’s name in English was Charles Burgess while Eamonn Ceannt’s English name was Kent. It might be embarrassing for her, as the generals acting in the name of her ancestors had the 1916 people shot. But there was more English blood inside than people think. I’d prefer if she could wait to see if I got in [as president of Ireland] and I could welcome her to the GPO as a theatre! I think that since David Cameron was able to make that courageous apology, and we saw a nationalist crowd in Derry able to applaud a British Conservative prime minister, there should be no great problem with the queen coming here.
SHOULD THE QUEEN VISIT KILLARNEY?
Martin Ferris
Sinn Féin TD for Kerry North
I am opposed to her visiting anywhere in Ireland, including Kerry. I don’t know if everyone in north Kerry thinks that way. I had a debate on the local radio recently and it is very sensitive for many in Kerry. Some of the political and business people in Killarney want to invite her and make the point that Queen Victoria visited Killarney in 1871 so it would be appropriate. But that visit nearly bankrupted the place and it came at the end of the Famine where millions starved or emigrated, and she was known as the Famine Queen. I think it was an insult to all the people who were lost in the Famine. Some people are saying her visit would put Killarney on the map as a tourist area. I think Killarney is already well known internationally as one of the most scenic areas in the world. We don’t need the queen to sell Killarney.
SHOULD THE QUEEN VISIT CO LAOIS (QUEEN’S COUNTY)?
Thomas Cosby
Owner of Stradbally Hall, Co Laois
There is a quite a big gay scene in Laois, so I think she could join all the other queens in the county. Why not? She could see if she could get a ticket for the festival. The local reaction to any proposed visit is very difficult to gauge, I think it would be mixed. There would be a certain amount of anti-monarchy feeling and a certain amount of intrigue. Here at Stradbally we’d be happy to give her a cup of Barry’s tea and make up the spare room. Seriously, though, she should be made welcome as a head of state. In terms of what else she could do in Laois, I’m sure there is lots. If she dropped into a great lady called Deirdre in the Laois tourist office, she’d set her right.
SHOULD THE QUEEN VISIT CROKE PARK?
Lisa Clancy
Croke Park communications director
The GAA is such a part of Irish culture, in particular Gaelic football and hurling, that any important visit to Ireland is a great chance for us to showcase our national identity. So in that respect the queen would be very welcome to experience our national games. We have an ard-chomhairle area where the Taoiseach sits, so she could sit there also. The GAA is an organisation that has opened up its doors to rugby and football, and we have played the British national anthem here. This is all a matter for the Government. Obviously, the championship matches are some of the most exciting games. I feel everybody should come to see the grounds and our redeveloped museum, so she is welcome in that context.
SHOULD THE QUEEN VISIT THE ABBEY THEATRE?
Fiach Mac Conghail
Director of the Abbey
We would welcome any head of state coming to the Abbey Theatre. I believe the national theatre should be the first stop coming out of Dublin airport if any head of government is visiting here. Having said that, the Abbey Theatre and the Windsors do have a history that is a bit bumpy. In 1910, when the queen’s great-grandfather died, the Abbey didn’t close its building as a mark of respect. So there might be an opportunity for the Irish Government to smooth over that history. Certainly, she should come and see The Plough and the Stars, which is on at the moment. It would be a good play for her to understand the crucible of republicanism and socialism. We treat all our citizens equally, so there is no royal box. Having the queen visit is a sign of normality. My concern when any head of state visits is that their itinerary is organised to take in the arts and culture. The Abbey is known worldwide and has a huge reputation internationally, so we would encourage all heads of state to come here.
SHOULD THE QUEEN VISIT TEMPLE BAR?
Kate Hyde
Henparty.ie
I think it would be nice for her to see Temple Bar. I don’t necessarily think bringing her here on a Friday night after 8pm would be the best move. During the afternoon there is a nice atmosphere. But it’s probably not best for her to see it on a weekend night. At any other time she could walk around the IFI, or the food market on a Saturday morning, or she could take in the book market. I’m sure if she wants to she can ask her subjects, many of whom come here on weekends. She is a slightly different generation to the women who would come to Temple Bar from the UK, though. My grandmother is around the same age, and I couldn’t imagine her sinking a pint in Temple Bar. I don’t have a problem with the royal family coming here in general. She is the head of the royal family and we should respect her for that. I know there is a lot of history there, but I think as a civilised society we should respect her.
