THE QUEEN of England would not be welcome on a state visit to the Republic of Ireland, Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris said yesterday at an Easter commemoration in Ardmore, Co Waterford.
There was controversy last week after the President, Mary McAleese, citing Government policy, said a visit to Dublin by Queen Elizabeth hinged on the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Executive.
She said devolution needed to be "rounded off" before the visit could take place. This triggered the anger of several unionist politicians who accused her of "dragging" Queen Elizabeth into a political row.
Nonetheless, a visit is expected some time in 2009.
Mr Ferris said that if it goes ahead it will be challenged by Sinn Féin.
"Sinn Féin is opposed to a state visit by the British monarch or by members of the British royal family to any part of Ireland," he said.
Mr Ferris said however that such a stance was consistent with a desire to maintain friendly relations with Britain.
"The British government still claims jurisdiction over part of Ireland and this is expressed through the monarch who claims to be queen of the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland".
"Sinn Féin regards that claim as illegitimate and we will not participate in any welcome for the British monarch," he told the crowd.
"As democrats and republicans we are implacably opposed to an outdated and archaic system of government that has at its head a monarch," he said.
Mr Ferris added: "Opposition to a British royal visit is also totally consistent with the desire for continuing friendly relations between the people of Ireland and the people of England, Scotland and Wales.
"It is a misrepresentation to portray opposition to such a visit as xenophobic or chauvinist.
"Indeed, many people in Britain reject what has been done in their name in Ireland, by the ruling elite in their country under the monarchy."
Mr Ferris said republicans and nationalists across Ireland who gathered over Easter at events to commemorate the 1916 Rising were determined to see a united Ireland.
"We come from many different backgrounds and political parties, but we are united in our support for Irish reunification," he said.
"In the weeks and months ahead we need to turn that goodwill into political action," added Mr Ferris.