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Taoiseach on BBC,Sky News to discuss Queen Elizabeth's visit to Ireland

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was today interviewed on BBC 1 and Sky News in advance of Queen Elizabeth's arrival in Ireland.

The Taoiseach discussed the significance of the Queen's visit, relations between Ireland and Britain, as well as the EU/IMF bailout deal, and the restructuring of the banks. The Taoiseach said that the State visit represents:

...the start of a new era between both countries based on respect, friendship and mutual recognition of two countries having normalised relations.

Speaking to Sky News, the Taoiseach said of the visit:

It also symbolises the healing of the past, a recognition of two counties having grown up together and two countries who face the future together.

In both interviews the Taoiseach was asked about Ireland's economic challenges and the EU/IMF bailout deal. Speaking to Sky News, the Taoiseach said:

We are able to be on track and to meet the requirements of the bailout agreement, obviously the question of interest rate reductions are being pursued by the Minister for Finance. We want to pay our way, we want to play our part...

The Taoiseach also told both networks that the upcoming state visits would be a great opportunity to "showcase Ireland" internationally.

You can watch a clip from the Taoiseach's interview with Sky News here.

You can watch a clip from the Taoiseach's interview with BBC 1's The Andrew Marr Show here.