A VISIT TO the Republic by Queen Elizabeth would be “absolutely marvellous”, Mr Paterson said. “I discussed that with the last British ambassador [to Dublin] and with the current one,” he confirmed.
“It would be tremendous if the queen did visit the Republic, particularly during the term of the current President, as she and her husband have done such tremendous work.”
Referring to the queen’s love of horse-racing, Mr Paterson suggested another motive for wanting to visit the Republic. “The queen does have a bit of an interest in going to Coolmore [stud], as I understand it. There are certainly plenty of good racing establishments.”
Admitting to his own interest in horses, he concluded: “I say that with feeling. I do compare notes on racing with the Taoiseach,” adding they had discussed the runners and riders at Cheltenham.
Mr Paterson was to attend the race meeting yesterday at York but had to change his plans because of his appointment to the cabinet.
