Sir, - In recent years there has been much speculation about a possible visit to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth II. Such a visit would further enhance the normalisation of relationships within these islands. I would welcome such a visit and would also like to make a suggestion regarding another symbolic visit. Why not invite the band of the Irish Guards to march in next year's St Patrick's Day parade?
The Irish Guards regiment was formed on April 1st, 1900, by order of Queen Victoria. Shortly before the creation of the regiment the Queen had authorised that: "all her Irish regiments wear the shamrock in their head-dress on the 17th instant (March) as a mark of Her Majesty's appreciation of the daring display by her loyal Irish soldiers in the recent operations near Ladysmith". This practice continues to the present day. Since 1966 this ceremony has been conducted annually by the Queen Mother.
Imagine the symbolism of the Irish Guard's band marching through the streets of Dublin. The march would commence at St Patrick's Cathedral where several regimental flags of old Irish regiments still hang; onward they would march past Christ Church Cathedral, which contains the tomb of Strongbow, with all those resonances of the Norman Conquest; past Dublin Castle, the former seat of British rule in Ireland; past the former parliament buildings and the Irish House of Lords; wheeling into Westmoreland Street past Trinity College founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I; marching through to O'Connell Street, formerly called Sackville Street. Most breathtaking of all, imagine the Irish Guards being presented with the shamrock at the GPO by the President of Ireland.
Experts in protocol might be aghast at the above suggestion. However I believe such an event would be a powerful force for goodwill which would be applauded by fair-minded people of all traditions on this island. It would also help to foster a closer relationship between the British and Irish people. If we have learned one lesson in recent years, it is that symbols really do matter. - Yours, etc.,
Leonard Condren, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10.