Queen marks peace in Belfast

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh have made a symbolic visit to Northern Ireland - their first since the IRA and Loyalist ceasefires came into effect last year.

It was also the first meeting between the Queen and the Roman Catholic Primate of all Ireland, Cardinal Cahal Daly, as well as his Anglican counterpart, Archbishop Robin Eames.

The BBC’s Northern Ireland correspondent says the historic trip is intended as a gesture to reassure the province’s unionists - while at the same time trying not to alienate the nationalist population.

The Queen was invited to Armagh by the authorities to present the royal charter renewing Armagh’s status as a city.

In her speech she addressed all the people of Northern Ireland. She said: “For many difficult years the people of Northern Ireland have shown courage and compassion of an extraordinary kind.

“Today as they begin to look towards a more peaceful future, Armagh with its two great cathedrals standing so close together presents a powerful symbol of the strength spirit and hopes of people across Northern Ireland.”

Cardinal Cahal Daly said the Queen’s visit was a tribute to the progress made in the peace process since the IRA ceasefire came into effect on 31 August last year.

Archbishop Robin Eames said: “Look how far we’ve come in a year. It’s a message of symbolism. Be patient, we’ve a long, long way to go but today is one little part of that jigsaw.”

The Queen also visited Belfast, where she met the city’s lord mayor and she shook hands with a representative of the most extreme unionist party, the Democratic Unionist MP Peter Robinson as well as MP Joe Hendron from the mainly nationalist SDLP party.

Mr Hendron said: “Things are different now. People must stand up and be counted. You can’t hide in your home. There are two communities here and I think it’s important to go out and shake hands with people like the Queen and from my point of view, she’s very welcome.”

The Queen’s day ended with a visit to Hillsborough castle.