LOYALISTS:SENIOR MEMBERS of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) have been invited to attend Wednesday's wreath-laying ceremony by Queen Elizabeth at Islandbridge, Dublin.
Among those due to attend the ceremony honouring Irish war dead from the first World War are UDA leaders such as Jackie McDonald of south Belfast, John Bunting of north Belfast and Jimmy Birch of east Belfast.
Some 500 people will attend Wednesday’s ceremony, including more than 100 from Northern Ireland.
First Minister Peter Robinson will join fellow Northern leaders Tom Elliott of the Ulster Unionist Party, Margaret Ritchie of the SDLP and David Ford of the Alliance at the wreath-laying. Sinn Féin is not attending.
Several representatives of the Orange Order, the Royal British Legion and Northern Ireland first World War commemorative organisations are also attending.
It is not clear whether any of the UDA leaders will personally greet the Queen on Wednesday. A Government source said the invitations were part of efforts to make the royal visit as inclusive and all-embracing as possible.
“Symbolically, it is very clear that this visit is a reconciling moment for these islands, and it is important that those who engaged in the peace process, including representatives of unionism and loyalism, should be present,” he said.
Over the years of the presidency of Mary McAleese, the McAleeses were involved in outreach initiatives with loyalist leaders. Dr Martin McAleese engaged in several projects with loyalist leaders and struck up a personal friendship with Jackie McDonald.
Frankie Gallagher, chief spokesman for the Ulster Political Research Group, the political element of the UDA, said the invitation marked another “reconciling” moment in the peace process. He is also attending.
“This is a good thing. It is historical. It allows space to be created where the people of these islands can begin to deal with the hurt and pain of the past,” he said.
Socialist republican grouping Éirígí said the UDA invitation was “outrageous”, and that it would stage a protest when the ceremony was taking place. Chairman Brian Leeson said inviting “death squad leaders” was “rubbing salt” in the wounds of loyalist victims.
* About 100 protesters turned out yesterday at a “freedom camp” organised by Éirígí at the top of O’Connell Street, Dublin.