Sinn Fein’s criterion for meeting Queen

Sinn Fein members’ decision on meeting the Queen will be based on whether such a move would enhance the peace process or damage it, the party has said.

Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister, Martin McGuinness, said the party leadership would consider a serious proposition to meet the Queen during her jubilee tour to the province later this month.

But he again stressed it would be a huge ask for any Irish republican.

“My position is that if there is a serious proposition, then it would be considered by the Sinn Fein leadership,” Mr McGuinness said in Dublin yesterday. “But let me make it absolutely clear any decision that I am part of will be about ensuring that decision will enhance the peace process and will not in any way damage it.”