The G8 was roundly praised for its success
FERMANAGH put on its ‘beautiful weather’ face for this week’s G8 summit, and it, along with the charm of the lakes and the people, had the pundits drooling on television, radio, the written and social media.
While there were different opinions on the G8 itself, the reaction from local politicians and council representatives on its benefits for Fermangh were unanimous
Alex Baird (council chairman)
“I was very pleased the way things have gone. The profle that Fermanagh has received as a result of the world media, we could not have paid for that.
“I spoke to police personnel from various forces across England and they’re just amazed at how friendly the peole are. A year ago, Portrush had the Irish Open golf tournament, and just recently, it was announced it was getting anothjer major tournament, so I am hoping that this aspect will apply to Fermanagh.”
Phil Flanagan, MLA
“There has been a very warm welcome extended to anybody who is visiting Fermanagh, and that has been very good to see. It’s a great opportunity to showcase everything that Fermanagh has to offer.
“Protesters and demonstrators who are visiting the county have put forward a number of very important issues. Thankfully, that has all taken place peacefully, and those messages have been fed around the world.”
Tom Elliott, MLA
“Overall, it has been a very good showcase, particularly for Fermanagh.
The consequences of the security operation, and the build-up to it, appears to have paid off because the protesters were going to make a huge impact, and a lot of what some of them intended doing, ie creating trouble.
“But, you can’t make scrambled egg without cracking and egg and, obviously, some people have been put out. I’m thinking of the business people, and I saw that for myself. What I am hoping is that there will be a significant impact for the future.”
Brendan Hegarty
(council chief executive)
“Everything has been quite positive, and with regard to the general feedback we are getting, those who visited the area were made very welcome, and we are delighted with the response they they got.
“Things seemed to have gone very well yesterday (Monday), and all seemed quite positive in terms of disruption which was kept to a minimum. The protest march went off peacefully. I think it aws well organised and well marshalled. We carried out a clean–up following the march and I must say when I visited the route last night, it was in a relatively clean state, and those who visited the area have been very respectful.”
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