Political Benefit Quotes
The prime minister had suggested that the Queen make a State Visit to Ireland. However, such an event would dominate the press and be advantageous to the majority party which was under public criticism for other matters. Queen Victoria did not want State visits or other events involving the crown to be used by the party in power as it might make the Irish feel the visit was not sincere and was simply undertaken for partisan political advantage. However, Victoria did want to try and improve relations with Ireland and suggested a visit later. She was also concerned that some right wingers of the majority party would claim that the reason she was not making the visit was for fear of adverse Irish reaction. There were constant difficulties regarding the degree of Irish autonomy and this was always a potential risk. However, the Queen would not let her position be used for political advantage and postponed the visit. This should be contrasted with the American system where the President is both head of state and head of government and often will undertake a state function for partisan advantage. There is often criticism from the other party, who would prefer the non partisanship of the English crown—until their party wins the Presidency at which time, they too use state functions for political advantage.
