THERE is a cynical tendency to dismiss the impact the Golden Jubilee celebrations and what they have meant to the nation.

It was, after all, the first time for 25 years the State Gold Coach had been used. Who wouldn't want to see it?

Monday's Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace brought together the cream from the world of pop and rock music. Who wouldn't want to see it?

We were given two days' public holiday. Who wouldn't enjoy that?

But it is wrong to infer that the Golden Jubilee means nothing to us. That, as a nation we need incentives to come together to mark the Queen's 50 years on the throne.

It is wrong to infer that we are unable to distinguish between the manner of our celebrations and the cause of our celebrations.

The people of United Kingdom marked the occasion of the Queen's Golden Jubilee because they really wanted to, not because they felt they had to.

Among our nation there is a great deal of respect for the Queen as an individual, and the monarchy as an institution.

That respect is as strong, perhaps stronger, today than when she came to the throne.

That she has steered the monarchy through some of the most turbulent years of world history is a remarkable achievement.

By embracing so much reform while still retaining the pomp and ceremonial trappings, the Queen has ensured not only the survival of the monarchy, but guaranteed its well-being for the foreseeable future.

Her experiences of the war during her formative years stood her in good stead. The terrors of armed conflict and the threat to our nationhood taught her to take nothing for granted, but to appreciate every thing, and every one.

Her summation yesterday of her feelings about the people of this country and the people of the Commonwealth were genuine. Her use of the words "gratitude, respect and pride" were heartfelt.

Equally heartfelt were the words of the Prime Minister in response. He spoke for the nation when he said: "Deference may be inherited, but affection is earned."