The mayor of Derry, Alderman Joe Miller of the DUP, said yesterday he had "no problems" with welcoming the President, Mrs McAleese, to the city on Thursday.
"My colleague, William Hay, [a previous mayor of Derry] boycotted the visit by President Robinson in 1992, but politics, like most things, changes," said Alderman Miller. "In fact, I can remember the times when nationalist politicians refused to meet members of the royal family, and that has changed as well."
Mrs McAleese is expected to fulfil a number of engagements in the city.
"I have no problem at all in welcoming President McAleese," said Mr Miller.
"I said when I was elected Mayor earlier this year that I would have no problems in meeting dignitaries from the Irish Republic, and nothing has changed my opinion. I have met ambassadors from various countries and I look forward to meeting an Ulsterwoman and a woman who, like myself, is British.
"I am a guest invited by various non-political organisations which will be hosting functions for President McAleese. I haven't invited her, they have, and I don't have a problem meeting and speaking to her."