Foster on Irish president’s decision not to attend centenary event

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Former DUP leader Arlene Foster did not hold back in her view of the Irish President’s decision to snub the Queen. Comparing President Higgins to the Queen, Ms Foster told GB News that the monarch “set the standard high” for reconciliation. She pointed to the Queen’s historic trip Ireland in 2011 “even though she had suffered at the hands of Irish terrorists directly herself”.This referred to the 1979 assassination of Lord Mountbatten, who was an uncle to Prince Philip.

The Queen will attend the centenary, which has been put together by the four church leaders in Ireland.

Ms Foster said: “It was an event to reflect, to look at reconciliation, to look hopefully to the future.

“Right throughout this decade of the centenary, there have been a number of events that people have attended, of course famously, the Queen in 2011 went to Dublin.

“When she was there, she acknowledged 1916, and those who took part in the rising against the British, when her grandfather would have been monarch at the time.”

JUST IN: Harry and Meghan suffer ‘dramatic’ drop in US popularity

The former DUP leader continued: “All of that despite the fact that she had suffered at the hands of Irish terrorists directly herself with the murder of Lord Mountbatten.

“So she has set the standard very high for reconciliation and marking the past.

“I think this is a mistake, I think it is hugely disappointing and it’s not just unionists that have reflected that.

“The Alliance party have urged the President to reconsider. The former Taoiseach has said he should be there.

Queen won't appreciate Andrew 'hiding behind her' says expert

“The Roman Catholic archbishop has said the decision was unexpected, and another religious leader has said it is baffling.

“It is a step backwards. It does damage relationships at a time when relationships are not good due to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“I can’t understand why he has taken this decision.”

DON’T MISS:

La Palma eruption: Terrifying moment volcano spews black cloud of ash [VIDEO]
Joe Biden told to have Nancy Pelosi back down on Brexit standoff [INTERVIEW]
Brexit POLL: Should Boris get tough with Biden? [POLL]

President Higgins said the invitation sent to him for the event had referred incorrectly to him as the president of the Republic of Ireland, rather than the president of Ireland.

He said the title of the event, which refers to the partition of Ireland and the foundation of Northern Ireland, was no longer politically neutral.

The Irish President, which is largely a ceremonial role, said his decision to decline the invitation came after six months of consideration and insisted it was not a personal snub of the Queen.

Speaking from Rome, he insisted he was not involved in any “boycott” of events and he had “no difficulties” appearing at other engagements in Northern Ireland alongside the Queen.

Source: Read Full Article