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A victim of the IRA bomb outrage in Warrington in 1993 has spoken of her "shock" that the Queen is to shake hands with former IRA brigade commander Martin McGuinness.
Liz Antrobus was 22 when she and Gordon Edwards, then 27, were blasted into the air in the second Bridge Street explosion that inflicted horrendous injuries.
Recovering in hospital Liz and Gordon fell in love. They later wed and have a teenage daughter.
At her home in Cheshire Liz Edwards said: "I still think of Martin McGuinness as a terrorist and that will never change. He sanctioned the deaths of many people and is a killer.
"He started out as a terrorist and wanted to maim people, which he did in the 70s and the IRA continued to do into the 80s.
"The IRA killed the Queen's 'uncle', Lord Mountbatten, so it is a bit of a shock that she would want to meet Martin McGuinness.
"I honestly do not like the man or Gerry Adams. A leopard can't change its spots and McGuiness will always be a terrorist to me.
"What happened to her uncle Louis was in the seventies and it is 2012 now. I don't suppose she likes the idea but as head of state she is being dignified in agreeing to meet him."
Mrs Edwards also said that she hoped the two countries could get on, but said: "I would hate to meet McGuinness.
"Eventually we have got to get on with each other and I know a lot of Irish people who were so shocked by what happened in Warrington.
"They sent us flowers and offered so much support during what was an incredibly difficult time.
"If one day senior politicians can sit down and shake hands at a table that would be great.
"I understand that the Queen has to meet everybody, but personally I could not do it.
"She might just take him as an ordinary person, but that doesn't change the fact that he was once a killer.
"It would be perfect if every country could get on with each other but unfortunately it doesn't work like that."
