Ireland’s president and premier pay tribute to the Queen

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Irish President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth as “a remarkable friend of Ireland” upon her death at the age of 96, as Irish premier Micheal Martin said that her wisdom and experience were “truly unique”. “This was so well-reflected by a remarkable generosity of spirit which helped to foster a more inclusive relationship both with the British people themselves and with those with whom her country has experienced a complex, and often difficult, history.” He also said that the Queen’s visit to Ireland was “pivotal in laying a firm basis for an authentic and ethical understanding between our countries”. “As we offer our condolences to all our neighbours in the United Kingdom, following the loss of a remarkable friend of Ireland, we remember the role Queen Elizabeth played in celebrating the warm and enduring friendship, and her great impact on the bonds of mutual understanding, between our two peoples.” Ireland’s deputy leader Leo Varadkar paid tribute to her contribution in “opening a new chapter in relations between Ireland and the UK” and said she had “won respect and admiration all around the world”. Queen Elizabeth will be remembered as someone who built bridges between Ireland and the UK, and restored connections between our nations.” Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said the Queen’s death “epitomised that generation of British people who endured the Second World War with both bravery and stoicism”.