Minister for Justice and Defence Alan Shatter has praised the role of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces in the successful State visit by Queen Elizabeth.
Mr Shatter said today it had been an “immensely challenging task” which was carried out with great professionalism.
He said they could take great pride in their achievement and that he had passed on the appreciation of the Government to the Garda Commissioner and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
Mr Shatter also praised the role of other bodies - both State and non-State - which he said played a “key role in making this historic visit such a success”.
He said that on his own behalf, and on behalf of the Garda and Defence Forces, he wanted to thank ordinary citizens for the “patience and good humour” they had shown in coping with the inconveniences necessary to ensure the safety of the Queen.
“It is clear that the great majority of people welcomed the visit of the Queen and are very pleased that it went so well.
“It is a pity that the nature of the security operation which had to be undertaken unavoidably deprived many people of being more closely involved in the visit and prevented them expressing their welcome more directly to our distinguished guest.”
The Minister said that despite that, he was sure the Queen had left Ireland “in no doubt about the warmth, goodwill and affection of the Irish people towards her”.
Mr Shatter said “regrettably” there had been a small number of people “who disgraced themselves again through thuggery and their blind unwillingness to accept the will of the Irish people”.
“But, through the good work of the gardaí and the Defence Forces, they were thwarted in their aims and the cause of reconciliation among the neighbouring peoples of these islands resoundingly prevailed.”