High security on ground and in air for visit of An Taoiseach

Kate Pendred

There was a large garda presence, on the ground and in the air, and several road blocks around Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar, on Friday last in anticipation of fuel price protests during the visit of An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. In the end, no protests were staged during the his attendance at a commemorative dinner to mark Westmeath Fianna Fáil’s 100th anniversary.

At a press briefing before the celebrations, Mr Martin defended action taken against blockades on ports and the Whitegate oil refinery in Cork, saying that jobs were at risk. He denied that he had criticised protesters, adding that protests are a good thing in democracy, but it was vital to unblock ports and the refinery.

“Our intention was not to in any way impugn the character of decent people and people who were frustrated by fuel prices, but we had to remove the blockade on the oil refinery because they were going to have to cease refining and ship the oil out of the country,” he said. An Taoiseach pointed out that fuel prices had fallen substantially since the ceasefire in the Middle East and he hoped that it and the ceasefire in Lebanon would hold.

On the subject of Lebanon, the Westmeath Examiner asked Mr Martin about the plight of Irish peacekeepers there, many of whom are from Custume Barracks in Athlone, and are facing food and water rationing, holed up in bunkers and surrounded by the sound of explosions.

Mr Martin accepted that there is a lot of activity in the area, but remarked that “the ceasefire gives significant prospects in terms of fresh food supplies and general movement in and out of the camp”.

The Taoiseach acknowledged that “it has been difficult for them but they have trained for this, they are professionals”. “I understand the concern of the families, given all the activity that has been ongoing, but the ceasefire will certainly give respite,” he said.

Mr Martin anticipated that the Irish troops due home next month will be able to make the journey but added, “it is conditional on the circumstances at the time”. He said the Irish peacekeepers are “extremely professional and committed” and “they define Ireland’s contribution to global peace and global affairs”.

The Taoiseach spoke of the serious repercussions for Irish farming as the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy is reviewed. Under the draft budget, there would be a close to 20 percent reduction in CAP payments which would not be satisfactory, he said.

“CAP is the one part of the budget that gives Ireland the greatest return, but it is early days and there is a lot of work to be done yet,” Mr Martin stated. He predicted that local Minister Robert Troy will be very involved in developments during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU.

After a stressful week in politics, we asked the Taoiseach how he de-stresses. Walking and reading, he replied, adding that he is currently reading Sean Lemass: The Lost Memoir by Ronan McGreevy, “required reading for any up-and-coming politician, it’s a great book!”