Historic moment as Queen welcomed in Dublin

Dr Mary Robinson lauded the political process which finally ended violence in 1994, saying that without it yesterday’s visit could never have happened.

Praising the work of all involved, she said: “It is wonderful that it is now coming to fruition for both islands.”

But Dr Robinson acknowledged the security concerns surrounding the visit, and agreed it would have been preferable had the Queen been able to meet members of the public.

A ring of steel protected the monarch throughout the day, with snipers and armed police combing the rooftops overlooking the Garden of Remembrance, where the Queen laid a wreath to honour those who died fighting for Irish freedom from British rule.

Scores of streets in the capital were sealed off as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh travelled from the President’s residence.

The atmosphere was tense as up to 300 activists gathered at various locations near the historic site. Fireworks, glass bottles, bricks and cans were thrown by dissident supporters hemmed into narrow streets by riot squad. Several arrests were made.

The 15 minute wreath-laying was the Queen’s first major engagement in a four-day trip.

Tomorrow Ireland’s war dead will be remembered at Islandbridge and at Croke Park, where 14 civilians were shot dead by British troops in 1920.