Is the Queen's visit to Ireland a good thing?

I think that it is meant in a spirit of peace and reconcilliation and most Irish people will acknowledge that at least, so if it succeeds in building some bridges then it is a good thing. But there are those in Northern Ireland who say that brutality and repression is still going on there.

I was in Ireland a few years ago and liked the bumper stickers that simply said ‘I’m for peace’. A motto for life, I thought

I was thinking more of the Republic of Ireland, but you are right there are many people in the North of Ireland who are still subjects of the Crown and don’t want to be. I am just watching the Queen’s arrival. At least she is wearing green!

It’s a bad thing for the UK, as it shows we still have the a member of that embarrassing, hateful family as head of state – a pathetic, feudal state of affairs.

As for the Irish, they need all the friends they can get right now given the way their economy has been driven into the buffers, so it’s probably a good thing for them.

I think it is an important step forward.

I’ve no idea, but i’m sure she’ll have a blast!
If the real IRA had their way that is.

A good thing, I believe. The American Revolution was far bloodier and lasted longer than the Irish one, and we don’t seem to have any grievances with her when she has visited us. Of course, our own revolution happened a farther back in history than the Irish…

On balance, it’s a good thing, even if the feeling isn’t universal. I’m for peace, indeed.

I’ve spoken to a number of Irish people who feel that their country will get a slight economic and large moral boost from the Queen’s visit this week and US President Obama’s visit later this month. So in that sense, absolutely.

Also a good thing for her to show up and recognize the atrocities performed on the Crown’s behalf in the past few centuries.

I think friendship gestures are usually a good thing.

She comes to the US. Our history with England was to escape the King, had a blood bath of a war for independence, and start our own country.

I absolutely think it’s a good thing.

The visit would be more meaningful if the Queen made an apology for past wrongs but this seems to be unlikely.