Queen to meet Martin McGuinness (From Daily Echo)

Lets try again!
It must be very strange to shake hands with a man who would certainly have killed you 20 years ago had the opportunity arisen.

SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL - YOU JUST GOT TO BE JOKING - HAS SHE AT LAST LOST IT UP-TOP ?????.....

1RA NOO NOO cowards !

Pistol Pete do you remember Him!

This is deeply going to offend an awful lot of people!

This is nothing for Brenda, she does not care who she shakes hands with. She even knighted Ceausesau. This is a significant step for the republicans and is both a true gesture of political maturity and a committment to peace.

On the inside wrote:
This is nothing for Brenda, she does not care who she shakes hands with. She even knighted Ceausesau. This is a significant step for the republicans and is both a true gesture of political maturity and a committment to peace.

.. hear hear.
The 'troubles' are over.
Nobody had right on their side.
Both eventually saw the futility of it all.
Both negotiated to end it.
Glad it's happening - progress.

IronLady2010 wrote:
This is deeply going to offend an awful lot of people!

For once I find myself in the strange position of agreeing with you.

He should never shake the old parasites hand.

How many deaths have royalilty been responsible for over the generations.

Progress in Ulster has only been made by former enemies burying the hatchet. If the Queen does this it's a sign that progress is being made.

I could not agree more with you! As a republican it's a sight I would have thought I would never see in my life. I do not condone anything the IRA have done in the past, however, royals are just as bad, with the innocent people they have executed over the years making them just as bad as the IRA

For the future children and their children this is a very positive step..not a cowardly act. Innocents life's were lost on both sides. As Edwin Starr said War what is it good for absolutely
nothing.

On the inside wrote:
This is nothing for Brenda, she does not care who she shakes hands with. She even knighted Ceausesau. This is a significant step for the republicans and is both a true gesture of political maturity and a committment to peace.

Nicolae Ceaușescu was only awarded an honorary knighthood which he was stripped of in 1989 before his own people executed him.

I cant believe such a parasite is going to be in the same room, let alone shake hands.
Hang your head in shame Martin

Condor Man wrote:
Progress in Ulster has only been made by former enemies burying the hatchet. If the Queen does this it's a sign that progress is being made.

what about are army men and women who have ben killed by this man lets not foget he was the most wanted man once

i think its wrong the queen will meet this man as people have died for the queen and she going to meet this man WRONG

The question we should be asking is..... Did our Queen order the killing of innocent people and in turn did the IRA order the killing of innocent people.

As I said previously, many will be offended by this gesture of peace, which is happening behind closed doors, so no-one can witness?

I remember clearly the day the IRA placed a bomb in Bognor Regis. It was placed on a bike, parked in a stand at shop closing time. I was there!

Not sure what the purpose was, other than to cause injury to innocent public.

Has the Queen ever ordered similar events?

I notice the nay-sayers (on both sides) are obsessed with the past.

I'm sure the world would be a better place if people looked forward instead. Sounds like at least two people are prepared to do so.

Velleity wrote:
I notice the nay-sayers (on both sides) are obsessed with the past.

I'm sure the world would be a better place if people looked forward instead. Sounds like at least two people are prepared to do so.

I guess we shouldn't dwell on the past. Shame Ireland Police have to drive around in armoured vehicles though.

Is this the first murdering 8astard she's shaken hands with? He's nothing but a thug. Always was and always will be.

bigal007 wrote:

Condor Man wrote:
Progress in Ulster has only been made by former enemies burying the hatchet. If the Queen does this it's a sign that progress is being made.

what about are army men and women who have ben killed by this man lets not foget he was the most wanted man once

i think its wrong the queen will meet this man as people have died for the queen and she going to meet this man WRONG

.. and what about the innocent civilians killed by the army/police? Scarman Report.

No one in this conflict had right on their side and both committed atrocities.

I’m just glad that in the end all combatants realised there could be no winners and they negotiated an end to ‘the troubles’.

This handshake is just a continuing part of the normalisation of the relations between all sides in this civil war.

Bring it on.

SaintJoeBhoy90 wrote:
I could not agree more with you! As a republican it's a sight I would have thought I would never see in my life. I do not condone anything the IRA have done in the past, however, royals are just as bad, with the innocent people they have executed over the years making them just as bad as the IRA

I bet the last couple of weeks have made you want to spew, big time. Your comment is comical in the extreme. You are in a circus, the clown?

bazzeroz wrote:
Is this the first murdering 8astard she's shaken hands with? He's nothing but a thug. Always was and always will be.

.. no, she's shaken hand with the war criminal Blair.

Why, when this peace process is over, do they need to bring up such an event.

We're at peace, let's not bring up old wounds.

The Commander of the most awful IRA is happy, so let it be!

IronLady2010 wrote:
Why, when this peace process is over, do they need to bring up such an event.

We're at peace, let's not bring up old wounds.

The Commander of the most awful IRA is happy, so let it be!

.. because it's a highly significant event in the history of the Republican movement.

Despite their ultimate aim of a united Ireland, this is another large step in rejecting violence on their part, whilst accepting the de facto political reality that they actually live in a monarchy that is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Surely, this is to be welcomed?

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:
Why, when this peace process is over, do they need to bring up such an event.

We're at peace, let's not bring up old wounds.

The Commander of the most awful IRA is happy, so let it be!

.. because it's a highly significant event in the history of the Republican movement.

Despite their ultimate aim of a united Ireland, this is another large step in rejecting violence on their part, whilst accepting the de facto political reality that they actually live in a monarchy that is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Surely, this is to be welcomed?

But if we're all happy as we are, why open up the wound again.

I very much welcome peace, but many will be offended by this honest gesture.

freefinker wrote:

bigal007 wrote:

Condor Man wrote:
Progress in Ulster has only been made by former enemies burying the hatchet. If the Queen does this it's a sign that progress is being made.

what about are army men and women who have ben killed by this man lets not foget he was the most wanted man once

i think its wrong the queen will meet this man as people have died for the queen and she going to meet this man WRONG

.. and what about the innocent civilians killed by the army/police? Scarman Report.

No one in this conflict had right on their side and both committed atrocities.

I’m just glad that in the end all combatants realised there could be no winners and they negotiated an end to ‘the troubles’.

This handshake is just a continuing part of the normalisation of the relations between all sides in this civil war.

Bring it on.

.. oops, it's late.
I meant the Saville Inquiry.

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:
Why, when this peace process is over, do they need to bring up such an event.

We're at peace, let's not bring up old wounds.

The Commander of the most awful IRA is happy, so let it be!

.. because it's a highly significant event in the history of the Republican movement.

Despite their ultimate aim of a united Ireland, this is another large step in rejecting violence on their part, whilst accepting the de facto political reality that they actually live in a monarchy that is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Surely, this is to be welcomed?

But if we're all happy as we are, why open up the wound again.

I very much welcome peace, but many will be offended by this honest gesture.

.. despite the relative peace in Northern Ireland, 'the wounds' have not yet all been healed.

That takes both time and positive gestures - and this is one such gesture.

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:
Why, when this peace process is over, do they need to bring up such an event.

We're at peace, let's not bring up old wounds.

The Commander of the most awful IRA is happy, so let it be!

.. because it's a highly significant event in the history of the Republican movement.

Despite their ultimate aim of a united Ireland, this is another large step in rejecting violence on their part, whilst accepting the de facto political reality that they actually live in a monarchy that is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Surely, this is to be welcomed?

But if we're all happy as we are, why open up the wound again.

I very much welcome peace, but many will be offended by this honest gesture.

.. despite the relative peace in Northern Ireland, 'the wounds' have not yet all been healed.

That takes both time and positive gestures - and this is one such gesture.

I feel the wounds are opening again, by this gesture.

Time will tell...........

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:
Why, when this peace process is over, do they need to bring up such an event.

We're at peace, let's not bring up old wounds.

The Commander of the most awful IRA is happy, so let it be!

.. because it's a highly significant event in the history of the Republican movement.

Despite their ultimate aim of a united Ireland, this is another large step in rejecting violence on their part, whilst accepting the de facto political reality that they actually live in a monarchy that is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Surely, this is to be welcomed?

But if we're all happy as we are, why open up the wound again.

I very much welcome peace, but many will be offended by this honest gesture.

.. despite the relative peace in Northern Ireland, 'the wounds' have not yet all been healed.

That takes both time and positive gestures - and this is one such gesture.

I feel the wounds are opening again, by this gesture.

Time will tell...........

.. and the 'many (who) will be offended by this honest gesture' consist of: -
1) Dissident Republicans.
2) Those on ‘our side’ who are likewise still bitter.

If this act of reconciliation offends them, so be it. They are a tiny minority.

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:
Why, when this peace process is over, do they need to bring up such an event.

We're at peace, let's not bring up old wounds.

The Commander of the most awful IRA is happy, so let it be!

.. because it's a highly significant event in the history of the Republican movement.

Despite their ultimate aim of a united Ireland, this is another large step in rejecting violence on their part, whilst accepting the de facto political reality that they actually live in a monarchy that is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Surely, this is to be welcomed?

But if we're all happy as we are, why open up the wound again.

I very much welcome peace, but many will be offended by this honest gesture.

.. despite the relative peace in Northern Ireland, 'the wounds' have not yet all been healed.

That takes both time and positive gestures - and this is one such gesture.

I feel the wounds are opening again, by this gesture.

Time will tell...........

.. and the 'many (who) will be offended by this honest gesture' consist of: -
1) Dissident Republicans.
2) Those on ‘our side’ who are likewise still bitter.

If this act of reconciliation offends them, so be it. They are a tiny minority.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bitter, but I can understand how some will hold a sour taste.

I'm more than happy to have peace! I welcome peace and encourage it.

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:
Why, when this peace process is over, do they need to bring up such an event.

We're at peace, let's not bring up old wounds.

The Commander of the most awful IRA is happy, so let it be!

.. because it's a highly significant event in the history of the Republican movement.

Despite their ultimate aim of a united Ireland, this is another large step in rejecting violence on their part, whilst accepting the de facto political reality that they actually live in a monarchy that is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Surely, this is to be welcomed?

But if we're all happy as we are, why open up the wound again.

I very much welcome peace, but many will be offended by this honest gesture.

.. despite the relative peace in Northern Ireland, 'the wounds' have not yet all been healed.

That takes both time and positive gestures - and this is one such gesture.

I feel the wounds are opening again, by this gesture.

Time will tell...........

.. and the 'many (who) will be offended by this honest gesture' consist of: -
1) Dissident Republicans.
2) Those on ‘our side’ who are likewise still bitter.

If this act of reconciliation offends them, so be it. They are a tiny minority.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bitter, but I can understand how some will hold a sour taste.

I'm more than happy to have peace! I welcome peace and encourage it.

.. no, wasn't aimed at you. You have made it clear throughout you want the peace to continue.
The 'sour taste' brigade needs to get real.
The troubles are over, rejoice.

Good, I hope that the tremendous work started by Mo Mowlem won't have been in vain. As someone whose entire maternal family is Irish, I'd be disillusioned if we should step backwards now.

I'd prefer a united Ireland personally, given that it was my sovereignty that essentially destroyed it in the first place, but if we have a chance to secure peace then we should take it.

Beer Monster wrote:
Good, I hope that the tremendous work started by Mo Mowlem won't have been in vain. As someone whose entire maternal family is Irish, I'd be disillusioned if we should step backwards now.

I'd prefer a united Ireland personally, given that it was my sovereignty that essentially destroyed it in the first place, but if we have a chance to secure peace then we should take it.

Very Well Said.

Condor Man wrote:
Progress in Ulster has only been made by former enemies burying the hatchet. If the Queen does this it's a sign that progress is being made.

Brief, and to the point. I agree.

20 years ago a friend of mine who is NI born a bred was in the British army. He returned for a family funeral and was told: 'sorry for your loss but when the funerals over don't bother stopping for the wake' He assures me this would be the same today! Peace, my arse.

ps. Lets hope he can wipe the blood from his hands sufficiently to call them clean!

bazzeroz wrote:
ps. Lets hope he can wipe the blood from his hands sufficiently to call them clean!

.. who hasn't got blood on their hands from 'the troubles'?

Certainly the UK government has - Saville Inquiry et al.

And who is the 'figurehead' for the UK government?

bazzeroz, you need to get a grip. The troubles are over. The Republicans, the Loyalists and the UK government have all buried the hatchet. All of them did horrendous things - but that's war for you.

If lessons are learnt from most difficult history of recent past, and both sides are willing to start finding solutions to real problems of ordinary decent people of Ireland and start resolving their differences through civilised peaceful dialogue then the Head of British state shaking hand with former opponent can only be a small but important step in the right direction.

As believer in Maharma Gandhi I have always opposed imperialism so have sympathy with those who want to reunite Ireland. 

Rather than furthering that cause the violence from both sides has only done damage. So hardly surprising that when people of Ireland were asked they opted to co-exist.

Yes it may not be popular with certain sections of our society who still believe in undemocratic systems, which do not elect even the head of state, but some of us will keep on supporting peaceful campaigns for uniting Ireland. 

Hope men and women of violence do not ever get the chance to spoil things ever again.

Could some Irish contributor on this site who also believes in re uniting Ireland explain his/her views why they are very rightly keen to oppose British rule in the North and still want to sacrifice their sovereignty at the alter of super state of Europe, the undemocratic most corrupt the EU? 

Catholics in the north of Ireland will never accept an English sovereign as the head of state.
No matter how many Scots were sent to colonise the north of Ireland, Ireland belongs to the Irish and until this happens there will always be those willing to fight for, and those willing to fight against it.
It's human nature to oppose the will of others.

dockboy wrote:
Catholics in the north of Ireland will never accept an English sovereign as the head of state.
No matter how many Scots were sent to colonise the north of Ireland, Ireland belongs to the Irish and until this happens there will always be those willing to fight for, and those willing to fight against it.
It's human nature to oppose the will of others.

... and they are welcome to it.

Linesman wrote:

Condor Man wrote:
Progress in Ulster has only been made by former enemies burying the hatchet. If the Queen does this it's a sign that progress is being made.

Brief, and to the point. I agree.

This war is nearly over, who can we fight for and against next?

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:

freefinker wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:
Why, when this peace process is over, do they need to bring up such an event.

We're at peace, let's not bring up old wounds.

The Commander of the most awful IRA is happy, so let it be!

.. because it's a highly significant event in the history of the Republican movement.

Despite their ultimate aim of a united Ireland, this is another large step in rejecting violence on their part, whilst accepting the de facto political reality that they actually live in a monarchy that is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Surely, this is to be welcomed?

But if we're all happy as we are, why open up the wound again.

I very much welcome peace, but many will be offended by this honest gesture.

.. despite the relative peace in Northern Ireland, 'the wounds' have not yet all been healed.

That takes both time and positive gestures - and this is one such gesture.

I feel the wounds are opening again, by this gesture.

Time will tell...........

.. and the 'many (who) will be offended by this honest gesture' consist of: -
1) Dissident Republicans.
2) Those on ‘our side’ who are likewise still bitter.

If this act of reconciliation offends them, so be it. They are a tiny minority.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bitter, but I can understand how some will hold a sour taste.

I'm more than happy to have peace! I welcome peace and encourage it.

Spot on IL, just wish everyone else would realise that this is the path the majority want, but I suspect will never get, because there are always a few fanatics out there that cannot see the light and change their ways.

Condor Man wrote:
Progress in Ulster has only been made by former enemies burying the hatchet. If the Queen does this it's a sign that progress is being made.

Progress will only be made when those who think their opinion matters get their facts right.
Northern Ireland and Ulster are not the same.
Ulster is one of the four ancient kingdoms of Ireland, parts of which are in the Republic of Ireland.

Just thought I’d throw a little education into the debate.

IronLady2010 wrote:
I remember clearly the day the IRA placed a bomb in Bognor Regis. It was placed on a bike, parked in a stand at shop closing time. I was there!

Not sure what the purpose was, other than to cause injury to innocent public.

Has the Queen ever ordered similar events?

loyalist death squads might be a good starting point , over a thousand unarmed civillians murdered , but cromwell started the slaughter of millions of irish men and women , hope this seals the peace for good .

arthur dalyrimple wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote:
I remember clearly the day the IRA placed a bomb in Bognor Regis. It was placed on a bike, parked in a stand at shop closing time. I was there!

Not sure what the purpose was, other than to cause injury to innocent public.

Has the Queen ever ordered similar events?

loyalist death squads might be a good starting point , over a thousand unarmed civillians murdered , but cromwell started the slaughter of millions of irish men and women , hope this seals the peace for good .

Bognor Regis, August 13th 1994, an incendiary bomb it was, resulted in many thousands of pounds of improvement to the shopping area where it was set off!

arthur dalyrimple wrote:

IronLady2010 wrote: I remember clearly the day the IRA placed a bomb in Bognor Regis. It was placed on a bike, parked in a stand at shop closing time. I was there! Not sure what the purpose was, other than to cause injury to innocent public. Has the Queen ever ordered similar events?

loyalist death squads might be a good starting point , over a thousand unarmed civillians murdered , but cromwell started the slaughter of millions of irish men and women , hope this seals the peace for good .

Not forgeting the "alleged" shoot to kill policy of the crown forces.