Preparing for G8

I spent yesterday out and about, with the Chief Constable, in Fermanagh and Armagh to see for myself the various venues and get an idea of the scale of the G8 Summit and policing operation.  Until you actually visit some of the venues it is hard to get a sense of the need for such a huge policing operation.

We also had the opportunity to talk to, and thank, many of the 3,600 colleagues who have come from policing services in Great Britain to support the operation.

There is no doubt that this is an unprecedented policing operation and on top of the safe delivery of the G8 Summit your police service also has to deliver on normal day to day policing business which will continue in the background.

I was very impressed by the way so many of my police and staff colleagues have worked together to deliver the infrastructure necessary for such a challenge.  Their determination, resilience and professionalism has been truly outstanding.  Much of the infrastructure is temporary, and has been put in place over the past few months, and the operation will continue for sometime after the Summit to dismantle this.

What I saw yesterday reinforced my sense of pride in a truly great organisation of amazing people.  Many organisations plan for years to deliver an event of this scale but we have only had a few months to plan, prepare and deliver. 

In an international event of this scale involving the world leaders, we have to accept a level of disruption.  However, it is also a huge opportunity for Northern Ireland and for County Fermanagh in particular.  We want this Summit to showcase the very best of Northern Ireland.  For our part, we will certainly be doing everything we possibly can to minimise disruption and to make sure the world leaders, their delegations and the world’s media  take away positive and lasting memories of their visit to Northern Ireland.

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