THE President, Mrs Robinson, arrived for her historic four day official visit to Britain yesterday amid British media speculation about her future.
Several British newspapers noted that the President would be an ideal choice for United Nations Secretary General. The Liberal Democrat leader Mr Paddy Ashdown, also voiced his support after meeting Mrs Robinson at a party for the Prince of Wales's Trust in St James's Palace.
"I think she would be great at the job," he said.
A ceremonial red carpet, lined by Royal Air Force officers from Queen Elizabeth's Colour Squadron, greeted the President. Mrs Robinson wore a royal blue suit as she was officials welcomed by Lord Comys, Lord in Waiting to the Queen.
After being escorted through the Royal Suite at Heathrow Airport by Sir Roger Hervey, the special representative of the Foreign Secretary, Mrs Robinson signed the visitors' book. Then she and Mr Robinson were driven under police escort in a black Daimler, with a Tricolour attached to the aerial, to their hotel, the Dorchester in Park Lane.
Despite the formal surroundings at St James's Palace, home of the Prince of Wales, his trust's volunteers were determined to make their party go with a buzz. While Mrs Robinson had tea in private with Prince Charles in his quarters, the volunteers were urging their guests to "relax and feel at home."
Several volunteers explained to the guests how the Prince's Trust had boosted their self confidence before the Prince, the President, Mr Robinson, the Prime Minister, Mr John Major, the Labour leader, Mr Tony Blair, and the Liberal Democrat leader, Mr Ashdown, entered the room to a standing ovation and took their seats on the platform.
The Tanaiste, Mr Spring, was escorted to a special seat in the audience.
In a short speech Mr Major pledged government financial support for the trust. The prince thanked the "honoured" guests for their enthusiasm and paid tribute to his volunteers.
"I am, above all, particularly delighted to welcome President Robinson and Mr Robinson. The President, rather rashly at one point, said she would like to find out more about the work of my trust and I am so pleased she has been able to spare the time in her programme, having only just arrived in London, to be with us," he said.
Mrs Robinson and the Tanaiste met a group of young Northern Ireland people who had participated in the trust. Mr Martin Gallen (23), from Belfast, admitted that he had been a "bag of nerves but said he was honoured to meet Mrs Robinson.
Mr Cecil Graham, the vice chairman of the trust in Northern Ireland, said Mrs Robinson appeared very interested in establishing a similar scheme in the Republic.
Last night Mrs Robinson attended an Irish Embassy reception for representatives of the caring professions, to thank them for their help among the Irish communities.