IN BRIEF : Robinson visit could herald royal invite

Diplomatic moves to invite the Queen to the Republic of Ireland could begin tomorrow with the visit to London of Mary Robinson, the Irish President.

The Queen is due to attend a reception held by three Irish colleges at St James's Palace tomorrow to welcome Mrs Robinson to the capital. Irish diplomatic sources said it was unlikely that Mrs Robinson would use the opportunity to pass on a formal invitation, but their meeting is certain to fuel speculation that the ground is being laid for an historic visit.