Published Wednesday, 27 June 2012
One a self-confessed former IRA commander, the other the officer-in-chief of the British Army, including the Parachute Regiment.
Sworn enemies for many years.
How politics has changed and it wasn't easy for either side.
The negotiations for the event had been difficult to say the least.
But there was a determination the handshake should be filmed even though there was a reluctance on the part of Buckingham Palace, in particular.
Peter Sheridan the chief executive of Co-operation is a very able man and he ensured the event happened.
By all accounts it was a very relaxed meeting.
Martin McGuinness acknowledging the Queen's visit to Dublin last year had shown real leadership.
Her comments about ''all'' victims had impressed Republicans.
Sinn Fein could well lose a few councillors and members over the handshake but the calculation is the party needs to keep moving forward.
After all, you could not buy the publicity.
And is this the end of the big public handshakes?
Well, not quite.
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have not managed it yet.
As for Mr Robinson and the Pope.
Well that's a story for another day.
The hand of history and all that.