Journalist Laura Perrins joins Niall to discuss the news that King Charles III has accepted an invitation for an official state visit to Ireland following a meeting at Buckingham Palace with Irish President Catherine Connolly.

If the visit goes ahead, it will mark only the second official state visit by a British monarch to Ireland since independence, following the historic visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. Her four day trip was viewed by many as a hugely symbolic moment in Anglo Irish relations, particularly when she visited the Garden of Remembrance and honoured those who fought for Irish freedom. Her speech at Dublin Castle, where she opened with a few words in Irish, was praised around the world as a gesture of reconciliation and mutual respect.

But not everyone welcomed that visit, and many republicans still strongly oppose any royal visit to Ireland. For some, the British monarchy remains a painful reminder of centuries of British rule, the Troubles, Bloody Sunday and the suffering experienced during Ireland’s struggle for independence. Critics argue that while relations between the two countries may have improved politically, history cannot simply be brushed aside.

Others, however, believe a visit by King Charles would be another important step forward in modern relations between Ireland and Great Britain. Supporters say both countries have changed enormously in recent decades and point to the Good Friday Agreement, growing cooperation, trade, tourism and peace in Northern Ireland as proof that reconciliation matters. They argue that respectful diplomacy between neighbours is vital, even when the shared history is difficult and emotional.

So, would you line the streets to welcome King Charles on an official visit to Ireland, or do you believe some wounds from the past can never truly heal?