[Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson and Queen Elizabeth at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast in 2012]

“I am conscious that this decision is significant and involves political and symbolic challenges for Irish republicans. However, my presence alongside Peter Robinson brings an all-island dimension to this historic event which, it is worth noting, has taken all of 93 years to happen.
There have been huge and positive political changes in recent years. There is now a clear process of transition ongoing within the island of Ireland and between Ireland, including the north and Britain.I firmly believe that my attendance marks another significant step.It is not an end to the process of building a new relationship based upon equality but is an important part of that journey. We are not just involved in a peace process but a reconciliation process – a change process.”

Northern Ireland deputy first minister Martin McGuinness.

FIGHT!

Windsor state banquet ‘will challenge Irish republicans’ (Irish News)

(Paul Faith/PA)