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27/06/2012
Queen And Sinn Fein's McGuinness Shake Hands
The Queen and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness have shaken hands at a cross-border event in Northern Ireland.
The deputy first minister and former IRA leader made the symbolic gesture after weeks of 'will they-won't they' deliberations.
Mr McGuinness said the handshake was "a big ask" and he has come under fire by some republicans, who condemned him for meeting the head of the armed forces.
But he said yesterday: "In shaking the hand of Queen Elizabeth I am effectively, symbolically, shaking the hands of hundreds of thousands of unionists."
Mr McGuinness was a commander of the IRA in Londonderry as a young man but insists he left before the paramilitary organisation killed the Queen's relative Lord Mountbatten.
The historic handshake happened in private during an art event run by Co-Operation Ireland, a charity that works to promote cross-border links.
The pair then shook hands in front of the cameras before the Queen left for a lunch at Titanic Belfast and a garden party at Stormont, Northern Ireland's parliament building.
She wore a signature skirt suit in pastel green, with gloves.
The Queen, who is visiting Northern Ireland as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour, attended a Catholic church in the province for the first time yesterday when it held a service of thanksgiving for her 60-year reign.
(NE)
The deputy first minister and former IRA leader made the symbolic gesture after weeks of 'will they-won't they' deliberations.
Mr McGuinness said the handshake was "a big ask" and he has come under fire by some republicans, who condemned him for meeting the head of the armed forces.
But he said yesterday: "In shaking the hand of Queen Elizabeth I am effectively, symbolically, shaking the hands of hundreds of thousands of unionists."
Mr McGuinness was a commander of the IRA in Londonderry as a young man but insists he left before the paramilitary organisation killed the Queen's relative Lord Mountbatten.
The historic handshake happened in private during an art event run by Co-Operation Ireland, a charity that works to promote cross-border links.
The pair then shook hands in front of the cameras before the Queen left for a lunch at Titanic Belfast and a garden party at Stormont, Northern Ireland's parliament building.
She wore a signature skirt suit in pastel green, with gloves.
The Queen, who is visiting Northern Ireland as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour, attended a Catholic church in the province for the first time yesterday when it held a service of thanksgiving for her 60-year reign.
(NE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
