AS AN English republican, I really couldn’t give two hoots about the latest Royal Wedding, but I’m not naive enough to believe it wasn’t very popular with the majority of UK citizens, (or should that be subjects?) I find the fact that thousands crowd outside Buckingham Palace, straining through bars for a glimpse of this elite family quite incredible.

But as for the Queen’s visit to the Republic of Ireland, how can anyone, Royalist or Republican, fail to be amazed by the importance of the visit?

The Queen visiting Croke Park, Dublin, the site of the first ‘Bloody Sunday’ in 1920 – when Crown forces murdered 14 unarmed fans at a sporting event – and the visit to the Garden of Remembrance, which honours Irish Rebels’ fight against the Crown, was a truly memorable event.

Equally memorable was the Queen laying a wreath to commemorate those rebels who died hoping for Irish unity.

If it helps heal old wounds and betters the relationship between our two countries, that has to be a positive.

I just wonder how many people actually knew about ‘Bloody Sunday’, (1920 not 1972, where coincidentally, another 14 unarmed people were killed, by Crown forces).

One answer to a republic, if we had one, would be another dignified lady – such as Irish president Dr Mary McAleese.

However, I have to admit, my hope of a republic in this country may have to wait a lot longer after the superb and equally dignified performance of Queen Elizabeth.

TIM W SIRET, Millmoor Crescent, Eynsham