With the Queen visiting Dublin and the Republic considering
joining the Commonwealth of Nations, is Ireland crossing a
threshold? Lewis Holden comments.  The Queen is making an
historic visit to Ireland this week, the first time a reigning
British monarch has visited Dublin in more than 100 years. The
visit represents the crossing of the threshold for the Irish
people — and perhaps another threshold may soon be crossed.  In
October, the people of Ireland will go to the polls to elect
their head of state, the President of Ireland. Currently leading
the race is independent senator David Norris, an openly gay
candidate who has gained his nomination from four county
councils across Ireland. The contrast with the secretive way
Governors-General are selected and dismissed by Prime Ministers
couldn't be greater.  But the really interesting thing about
Norris is his view that the Republic of Ireland should join the
Commonwealth. While the Irish presidency is a non-executive
position, the president can openly discuss