Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has softened his stance on the British Queen’s visit to Ireland and has admitted it will strengthen ties between the two countries.
The most powerful Republican on the island of Ireland has all but welcomed the visit in a statement issued ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s arrival on Tuesday.
The recently elected Louth member of the Irish parliament also called on the British government to show its support for an improvement in relations between Ireland and Britain.
“If this is the case, it will be a matter of considerable pleasure, not just for her Majesty, but for the rest of us as well,” said Adams who had been critical of the visit during the recent election campaign.
No Sinn Fein representative will attend any of the various official functions surrounding the visit but Adams has taken a far more conciliatory approach.
He added: “I want to see a real and meaningfully new and better relationship between the peoples of Ireland and Britain.
“Republicans have been to the forefront in working to bring this about and we will continue to do so.
“The visit by the Queen of England provides a unique opportunity for the British establishment to make it clear that this is its intention also.
“I am for a new relationship between the people of Ireland and between the people of Ireland and Britain based on equality and mutual respect.
“I hope this visit will hasten that day but much will depend on what the British monarch says. As an Irish citizen who was detained without charge or trial a number of times on a British prison ship, in a prison camp and H Block, as well as a more conventional prison, at ‘Her Majesty’s Pleasure’, I hope so.”
No reply was forthcoming from the British or Irish governments after Adams spoke warmly of the historical ties between the two nations.
He continues: “Ireland and England are not strangers to each other. We have build on what we have in common while at the same time respecting each other’s sovereignty and independence.
“We all need to embrace diversity, including the sense of Britishness felt by many unionists.”
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READ MORE:
Irish Bomb victims ask for Queen’s help
Queens visit will be a nightmare for maternity hospital
Shock as longtime Sinn Fein critics are not invited to meet with Queen
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.abhainn | May 20, 2011, 04:27 PM EDT
The article says, "No Sinn Fein representative will attend any of the various official functions surrounding the visit" but the Sinn Féin mayor of Cashel shook the Queen's hand today. Also, Adams is quoted as claiming the Peace Process that made the Queen's visit possible, for himself, "Republicans have been to the forefront in working to bring about a new and better relationship between the peoples of Ireland and Britain" but Sinn Féin had to be dragged kicking and screaming from their murder weapons to the negotiating table.
Irishphotograph | May 18, 2011, 11:58 AM EDT
For videos/images of the Queens visit...search imagesbydavid on Youtube
citizen69 | May 18, 2011, 11:47 AM EDT
Gerry Adams, "the most powerful republican in Ireland"?..Really? The leader of the fourth largest party in the Irish Republic wields all the power? Even more powerful than the Taoiseach? Hehee! What nonsense! I'm convinced Gerry edits this website himself!
TiocfaidhArmani | May 18, 2011, 09:42 AM EDT
Gerry Adams changes his stance on a lot of things when it suits him. Like the acceptance of the Unionist veto for one.
sharonnoella | May 18, 2011, 02:12 AM EDT
@ScullsSoulmate-Here's a positive spin on it for you, replacing William of Orange, with a more likeable baron!
maryamcgrath | May 17, 2011, 08:29 PM EDT
I think it was Well Done by Mr. Adams. Although its hard to stomach having to be so politically correct. But I suppose taking the high road is always best. I love that he got his point about being held at Her Majestys request on record. That is a priceless statement.
Johnnyclash | May 17, 2011, 05:01 PM EDT
Cathal you got the story wrong you ejit.
ancavker | May 17, 2011, 11:36 AM EDT
Tom Swinford: I am no fan of the monarch, for what it represents, and has always represented, but I do not disagree with most of what you say. And my English/Irish cousins are far more proud of their Irish roots, than the crowd over in Ireland. I have a far better time with them then listening to the so called Irish ones droning on about this and that. I am the dumb yank, and my English/Irish cousins are the plastic paddies.
ScullysSoulmate | May 17, 2011, 09:53 AM EDT
AAHHH Kilsally, so finally you reveal your true nature, although again quite subtlely, it is orange that you really are. Very sorry but I simply cannot stomach the self serving philosophy of the orange tradition. Not irish, and not english, yet loyal to the "crown" for your own selfish reasons is the way it appears to me, after many years of study and contemplation. I do feel sorry for you, for after all the uvf was originally formed for the convenience of a few wealthy ulstermen who cared nothing but to protect their own vast fortunes, and so many were tricked into joining up and pride seems to have prevented many who may now decide otherwise from making a change. But with so many dead for no reason other than out and out greed, I must repeat that my interpretation of the Bible says that I am obligated to "forgive my fellow man", and I cannot consider any who would take so many lives or justify the taking of them for nothing more than personal enrichment, my fellow men. So as the US marines said of bin Laden, "it is God's job to forgive him, it is our job to arrange the meeting" I do feel that republicans have fought fearlessly for many generations against overwhelming odds for the survival of their own race, traditions, and country, and for those reasons british and orange sympathies are completely beyond my ability to swallow silently. As it is also impossible for me to live my life without recognizing and thanking those many fearless generations who never gave up so my children can embrace their Gaelic roots. I didn't agree with your comments on the Ancient Order of Hibernians' request of Obama, and frankly he ought to, especially now that the brits have subpoenaed Boston College records, insist that they release the records the Hibernians suggested they should. But again, the brits attitude of entitlement and self grandizement such as "higher birth" rights will likely never allow that to occur.
maireadinmelb | May 17, 2011, 06:09 AM EDT
I don't think you can call G Adams a REPUBLICAN anymore, let alone the "most powerful" republican!
mcdolan | May 17, 2011, 02:23 AM EDT
We are far too long hat tipping to the shadow of our former colonisers...time to stand up as equals and greet her with the warmth, dignity and hospitality the Irish are known for, with our heads held high as equal sovereign nations.
123erinmary | May 16, 2011, 11:18 PM EDT
You scared me with your headline! Thank goodness it was alarmist and way overreaching for what Mr. Adams actually said.
Kilsally | May 16, 2011, 05:58 PM EDT
feliciamaisey & ScullysSoulmate what is your grief with the Dutch Prince William of Orange defeating the deposed King James of England in Ireland -you say he invaded Ireland but are you saying the King James of England was the rightful King in Ireland then? William of Orange ended arbitrary powers and tyranny, ceding powers from Monarchy to Parliament, bringing in the Bill of Rights and many others constitutional reforms that we now take for granted. William of Orange was part of the League of Augsburg supported by The Pope and was aligned against despotic King Loui of France and his vassal King James of England.
eiriamach | May 16, 2011, 04:42 PM EDT
I've been rethinking this visit. It now seems to me a gracious kindness on the part of the Irish to welcome her, especially considering Ireland's current financial woes. Elizabeth is a post-imperial figurehead monarch who makes state visits to meet people whose ancestors were colonists of the crown. Wasn't her mother crowned "Queen of Great Britain, Ireland, and British Dominions and Empress of all India"? What's left of that? Elizabeth II and her successors will have to relate to a great diversity of people whose freedom was won from her predecessors. Adams is right: it's all about embracing diversity now, for the Queen as well as for him, a lesson in humility for royal and rebel.
FallsRNat | May 16, 2011, 03:26 PM EDT
Ah, Gezza, do we continue to call u the Baron after all.
naraic123 | May 16, 2011, 02:09 PM EDT
At last, realism, pragmatism and political maturity takes hold. Now Gerry, any chance you could apply the same level of pragmatism and realism to your economic policies ?
Sparklet | May 16, 2011, 01:37 PM EDT
TomSwinford, just read your post. Im sorry I overlooked it earlier. Very well said.
citizen69 | May 16, 2011, 12:45 PM EDT
Well spoken Antoman & TomSwinford.
Sparklet | May 16, 2011, 12:43 PM EDT
Jeff, I presume because it only takes one assassin. It's a shame, but sadly understandable. Should maybe have been considered more before the invite.
EireinAmerica | May 16, 2011, 11:53 AM EDT
This brings to mind a scene from The Godfather 2,..Gerry (Fredo),...I know it was you,....you broke my heart,...you broke my heart,..
JeffGallagher | May 16, 2011, 11:46 AM EDT
If it is such a great thing for both countries to have the Queen visit, then why won't the Irish be allowed to greet her in proper fashion? Remember, all of the streets will be cleared and areas that she will be in as well. So much for the visit for the common people.
Sparklet | May 16, 2011, 11:31 AM EDT
Antoman, you make me proud. :)
CanadianPat | May 16, 2011, 11:22 AM EDT
Total nonsence, and taking out of content!Read his statment in full .As a life long Republican who does not welcome the english queen's visit, I did not find anything Adams stated as a betrayal !
feliciamaisey | May 16, 2011, 11:14 AM EDT
It is time to move onward and create a united peace between these countries. You cannot change the past and are doomed to repeat it with all its total ferocity, unless you make amends. I am not sure I see why the Queen is visiting, now after naming William Baron of Carrickfergus, which is in honor of William of Orange who invaded there once upon a long, long time ago, but I hope it is with the intention of creating peace and moving on.
antoman | May 16, 2011, 11:03 AM EDT
@Trealach-I have no love for the British Crown.I'm indifferent to the English Monarchy.But unlike you I see the bigger picture and the benefit this visit by the Queen,the English Prime Minister and President Obama will have for our country and its people.Have you forgotten that fifteen years ago President Mary Robinson visited the Queen at Buckingham Palace?We did'nt reciprocate at the time and invite the Queen here because of narrow minded people like you.There is nothing to lose in this visit and everything to gain.Cheer up Trealach.This day week after the Queen has left you may well kick your own arse for the disingenuous words you left here for all to read, and insulting me by suggesting I love the Monarchy.The only thing I like about the Monarchy is the nice bit of pointing I saw on the wall surrounding Buckingham Palace by my predecessors when I worked in the UK.There are as many Irish working and residing in the UK as there are English working and residing here in Ireland.Its 2011 Trealach.Not 1911.
antoman | May 16, 2011, 10:59 AM EDT
Gerry Adams, like most pols, has a good nose for wind-sniffing and the winds about Gerry strongly indicated that an about-face was the smart thing to do. Tomorrow the queen arrives and she will be given a warm and generous welcome by an overwhelming majority of the Irish people. Why? Because as a nation Ireland is finally moving on from what many had concluded was perpetual childhood, an infantile paralysis of the mind - a chronic and depressing inability to grow up and become adults. Ireland and Britain are side-by-side neighbors, visible to each other on a clear day. Britain is Ireland's largest and most important trading partner. In part because of the millions of Brits whose ancestry is Irish, plus the hundreds of thousands of more recent arrivals (now out-earning their British counterparts) there is a genuine bond of friendship and affection between the two islands. They have moved on. I have many nieces and nephews who are proud and loyal British citizens - and equally proud of their deep connection to Ireland. This is as it should be. And they would be perplexed, to say the least, at the bitter anti-Brit, anti queen commentary polluting the pages of IC. Alas, these poor souls cannot move on. One might be forgiven for assuming that these posters live sad and sorry inadequate lives, blaming their own failures on imaginary enemies, villains and bogeymen. They are to be pitied.
clevelander | May 16, 2011, 10:50 AM EDT
Are you sure Gerry is still a Republican? I don't see much in him anymore.
DaithiSuibhne | May 16, 2011, 10:47 AM EDT
Gerry,Gerry,Gerry,what a sniveling sycophant you really are. When you bow down before her Majesty you may as well plead forgiveness forever thinking such vulgar thoughts for such a benevolent monarch,and ask for a formal pardon for your past actions while your at it. Just don't forget the Brits dislike traitors as much as we Irish do. Ah too be sure, they love to use people like you for their own means,then they just throw you to the wolves.
AnPiobaire | May 16, 2011, 09:48 AM EDT
What do I think? I think you should read your news stories before you write the headline!! It's a problem you demonstrate often: a screaming sensationalist headline which is not at all supported by the facts relayed in the body of the article. Wonder who you learned that trick from?
RONANCARSON | May 16, 2011, 09:45 AM EDT
haha, i cant believe people are actually commenting on this: as if GERRY ADAMS would say such inappropriate propaganda, dont be fool by this, sinn fein as a party for the WHOLE of Eíre appose any vist by a foreign monarchy who holds our country in "CHAINS"
Trealach | May 16, 2011, 09:42 AM EDT
@Antoman - it's intriguing how you manage to twist history to support your love of the British Crown. The West German Government (as it was then) apologised to France in 1961 for the atrocities caused by the Nazi Party. Later, denial of the holocaust became a criminal offence. Are we, the Irish Nation going to be treated to the same level of remorse and apology from the Crown? I won't hold my breath on that - they're not as honourable as the Germans.
deburca | May 16, 2011, 09:36 AM EDT
Very enlightened sentiment from Gerry Adams. All it takes is one side making a positive gesture to put the momentum towards a positive outcome.
MalcomAC | May 16, 2011, 09:33 AM EDT
Any thinking person knows this visit is a Good Thing. Good on Adams, who, like Liz Windsor, is stepping up.
ScullysSoulmate | May 16, 2011, 09:31 AM EDT
I agree with what he's saying. The problem I foresee is that she has already named william the baron of carrickfergus...isn't that a bit like naming him the new william of orange? after all that's where the 1st william of orange came in...seems like a sneaky symbolic way of suggesting this is a sneak attack aimed at much more sinister goals than bettering relationships, especially coupled with the new subpoenas this week to Boston College aimed at the IRA. How about turning over the records that Justice for the Forgotten is requesting on the bombings from the brit government? That would be a true show of good faith.
Aleeyne | May 16, 2011, 09:19 AM EDT
These are the positive words of a man showing leadership. He is right in all he says there.
tempranillo | May 16, 2011, 09:16 AM EDT
I applaud the first three rational writers. and, if I may add, the symbolism is powerful--the sovereign of the UK visiting her EQUAL in a STATE visit.
ochshane | May 16, 2011, 09:07 AM EDT
Jarry is very very smart.
KittyMurphy | May 16, 2011, 08:58 AM EDT
Well said Antoman. That's exactly the sentiment that is needed this week. The world is watching.
antoman | May 16, 2011, 08:44 AM EDT
As I said in a previous post.In 1961 the French and German Governments had visited each other formally.State visits.Sixteen years after WW2 had ended.Bear in mind that during the German occupation of France 650,000 French civilians were killed by the Germans.We should fly our Tricolour proudly and welcome HER warmly to OUR country.