IT was inevitable the Queen’s visit to Ireland would not be without its critics.

But this historic visit was in our view worth celebrating.

For the first time in 100 years a British monarch has visited Ireland And the fact the visit took place at all represents how far our relationship with Ireland has come.

There remains a deep-seated opposition to the monarchy among some in Ireland.

But the majority of people were in favour of the visit and that has to be a welcome sign that the relationship between the two countries can move forward.

Ireland is our closest neighbour.

We are in the European Union together. The country has recently seen the benefits of that.

This is a landmark visit and one that will only further cement relations between the two countries.

It’s also a visit supported by 80 per cent of the country, despite the high costs of security at such a financially worrying time.