David Ford Visits G8 Venue

Justice Minister David Ford has been visiting the Lough Erne venue that will be used for the forthcoming G8 summit.

The Minister received an update on security arrangements from the PSNI.

Also visiting the venue was NIO Minister of State Mike Penning MP.

The Ministers were briefed by PSNI officers based at Enniskillen and viewed the venue for the Summit from a police boat.

The G8 Summit comes to Fermanagh in June 2013, and will see the leaders of the world's most economically and politically powerful nations come together on Lough Erne.

The annual summits usually attract mass demonstrations from anti capitalists, who come from all over the world to protest against what they see as the uneven distribution of wealth.

The visit follows the discovery of a bomb near the resort in the Derrylin Road area of Fermanagh at the weekend.

Police had initially suspected the 60kg device was intended for Lisnaskea Police Station, but a message from dissident republican group Óglaigh na hÉireann obtained by UTV said the bomb was intended for the G8 venue.

UTV says Óglaigh na hÉireann used a codeword during the statement, and also said they were responsible for a foiled mortar-type bomb attack on a police station in Belfast earlier this month.

The Justice Minister remains optimistic regarding security arrangements for the Summit.

"Preparations are well underway on the many strands that will come together to make the G8 Summit a success," David Ford said.

"I have received regular updates on the security arrangements and this visit was a good opportunity to hear first hand about the scale of the necessary operation. For the G8 Summit, the PSNI will be supported by officers and equipment from other police services, some of whom will have experience of similar events.

"This Summit will attract the world’s key political leaders. With them will come intense media attention. This is a tremendous opportunity for Northern Ireland to showcase all that is good about life here, from our renowned beautiful countryside to warm hospitality in every county."