I read the article entitled Queen Wraps Up Ireland Visit (May 21). The article noted some very interesting facts, including that the trip was “the first visit to the Republic of Ireland since it won independence from London in 1922” and that “a tour to the Mediaeval Rock of Cashel monument also saw the first handshake between the British monarch and an official from hardline Republicans Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA”.

It is obvious that Queen Elizabeth II has a stately demeanour and a calming influence which has helped eased tensions and puts a more human face on the need for genuine and lasting peace in the region. It was pleasing that the article noted that Ireland’s Agricultural Minister Simon Coveney said most doubters had been won over. That is indeed great news. I hope the calm atmosphere will continue.

In a similar vein, I read another, separate article which spoke of Ireland’s long heritage of horse breeding. It noted that the Limestone lands at Tully, County Louth, Ireland, which have been associated with horse breeding since the year 1300 when war horses were bred for the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, while the Order was still stationed in Rhodes – long before the Order came to Malta. I wish that more emphasis would be placed on this historical linkage which would help promote increased mutual tourism between residents of Malta and Ireland.

As Queen Elizabeth II’s recent visit to Ireland has shown, it is high time for old wounds to heal, and new friendships to grow and prosper.