By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-969172.mp3
Springfield, MA – A Massachusetts congressman who has been a leading figure in the Irish peace process, is hailing the historic visit of Queen Elizabeth the Second to the Republic of Ireland. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.
The historical significance of the queen's four day visit cannot be overstated, according to Congressman Richard Neal of Springfield. He says it marks the end to the longest standing political dispute in the history of the Western world.
Queen Elizabeth is the first British monarch to visit Ireland in 100 years. What is now the Republic of Ireland gained its independence 90 years ago after a guerrilla war. A violent independence struggle began in Northern Ireland in the late 60s and ended 30 years later with the Good Friday peace accords that established a coalition Catholic-Protestant government.
Neal says the queen's visit will close the door on a violent past.
Neal, who once organized a boycott of Queen Elizabeth's address to a joint session of congress, says her visit shows the Irish and British have never been friendly than they are today..
Not every one welcomed the queen to Ireland with open arms. Opponents to the peace accord in Northern Ireland have sought to disrupt the visit with real and hoax bombs. The security operation to protect the queen is said to be the largest in Ireland's history
The queen's visit also highlights the close economic ties between Ireland and England
Neal said he discussed the significance of the queen's trip with senior members of the Irish, Northern Ireland and British governments earlier this year. President Obama is scheduled to visit Ireland for the first time next week.