20/03/2008

Political Storm Over McAleese's Royal 'Veto'

Irish President, Mary McAleese who once had to apologise after she compared NI unionists to WWII Nazis – has again enraged the same section of the community.

She has sparked unionist fury after effectively putting a veto on a much-anticipated possible visit to the Irish Republic by the Queen.

After a meeting with the Queen in Belfast, the Irish President said an anticipated royal visit to the Republic "could not happen until policing and justice powers were devolved to Stormont".

The DUP's MLA Stephen Moutray said it was "frankly despicable" that she had used Her Majesty's visit as a political platform.

The UUP leader Sir Reg Empey agreed and said she should "butt out" of an issue which "has nothing to do with the Republic".

His colleague, Danny Kennedy, demanded Mrs McAleese publicly apologise to the Queen.

The row has partly overshadowed the otherwise successful second day of the Queen's visit, which concludes in Armagh today, with the distribution of the Maundy Money.

The first ever Maundy Thursday service to take place outside England and Wales will be held today in Co Armagh.

(BMcC)

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