State Visit of Ireland’s President to Britain, a First, Underlines Evolution of Relations

On Monday, Ireland's President, Michael Higgins, is set to arrive in London. This serves as a monumental event in the relations between Ireland and Great Britain. Higgins and his wife will spend four days in London attending events with the Queen and stay as guests at Windsor Castle.

Many are viewing this as a sign of reconciliation between the two states since their history lacks cooperation. It is the first visit of any kind since the extraordinary efforts made by Queen Elizabeth in 2011. Underlying this visit, however, is the question of whether Great Britain will remain a member of the European Union. Ireland and Great Britain have strong trade ties and share many political beliefs including free markets and a strong relationship with the United States. They are often allies and vote together in negotiations at the European Union.

“At best, British detachment from Europe would slow and limit our efforts towards closer cooperation with each other,” Mr. Gilmore said. “At worst, it could reverse them.”

Although Prime Minister David Cameron believes that relations between Ireland and Great Britain are at an "all time high", this could severely alter the future interactions between the states.

To read more, check out the article at http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/07/world/europe/state-visit-of-irelands-president-to-britain-a-first-underlines-evolution-of-relations.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimes&_r=0

Mike Prosia