Ben Harris-Quinney, Chairman – writing in La Razon newspaper.
A huge amount has been written in recent months about Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and in this sense she continues to be the British nation’s most notable master of great ceremonies. What is less common in the modern world, for Her Majesty or monarchs in general, is to play a significant role in frontline politics.
Today’s meeting and handshake with the former IRA Commander Martin McGuiness was undoubtedly one of the most significant moments in the history of tumultuous relations between England, Ireland and Northern Ireland, in which Her Majesty the Queen took the role of peacemaker on behalf of her nation.
Many will recall the death of Louis Mountbatten at the hands of the IRA in 1979, he was great uncle to Prince Charles and Cousin to the Queen and the Royal Family itself have suffered deeply and painfully at the hands of the IRA. For Her Majesty to therefore take such a personal role in the bringing of peace and reconciliation to the bitter conflict in Ireland, in recognition of the losses of both sides, is a mark of her great personal advocacy for peace, and truly remarkable character.  
I hope that in both sides making such great strides towards peace and reconciliation, all will now follow in consigning the horrific period of troubles in Northern Ireland and Ireland to history.