Queen’s Irish visit hailed a triumph

The Queen’s historic visit to the Irish Republic was last night hailed as a spectacular diplomatic triumph.

As she prepared to end her visit in Cork today, politicians on all sides in Dublin said the trip signalled the start of an exciting new era in Anglo-Irish relations.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the visit and the Queen’s momentous speech in Dublin Castle had struck a chord with people in the Republic.

A palace spokeswoman said the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh had been delighted by their welcome.