2004 EU Summits....

[Frank (Admin)]

Hi Guys,

I was just reading an article on breakingnews.ie and this is what it said:

Quote

Huge celebrations are being planned to mark the enlargement of the EU, it was revealed today. When the 10 new member states officially join on May 1 – during Ireland’s EU presidency – European Minister Dick Roche is planning a nationwide party for the Irish people. “We want to have the celebration out there on the streets, we want to have the people of Dublin, the people of Ireland, share the sense of history we will be creating in Europe,” he said....... Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has invited the heads of state from all members of the European Council to attend an event in Dublin on May 1.

Further down the page it says:

Quote

The Government is planning a potentially controversial EU/US summit in Ireland towards the end of its presidency and is expecting George W Bush to attend. Asked about security concerns in light of the US leader’s recent visit to England, Mr Roche said the country had a responsibility to fulfil its role as EU host. “Even if we had disruption for one day, if there’s an opportunity for us to bring some peace to the world, to fulfil our responsibility as the lead state of Europe, we should seize the day,” he said.

Seeing as the Government are going to hold these two big events in Ireland what do think the chances are of foreign fighters providing air cover for them?

And if foreign fighters are going to be based in Ireland to who do you think will provide the fighters for the cover and what fighters will be used?

I'm just thinking out loud here, that's all, I've got a few free minutes at work.


Regards,

Frank.

[Silver]

From what I have heard, the govt has decided not to hold these summits in Ireland after all.
They will hold smallers meetings here and large summits in Brussels.

However, if these summits do take place here, I suspect that the RAF will provide cover from their home bases (Tornados?).

[Frank (Admin)]

Hi Silver,

I read it just this evening (Monday 1st Dec) and going by the article the government do intend to hold some of the meetings here.

If you read the second quoted box you'll see that a government spokesman has admited that there will be some disruptions.

Besides, how can you hold an all Ireland party in Brussels?


Regards,

Frank.

[Silver]

If I recall correctly, Frank, it was Bertie himself whom I heard on the radio last week saying that it was too risky to hold the EU/US summit here.
I dunno, maybe they have changed their minds again  '>

Wonder what is meant by "disruptions" ? Streets closed, etc ?

[Frank (Admin)]

Hi Silver,

I never actually heard what Bertie said last week, I've been a bit out of touch with things over the last few weeks, all I know is what I just read on the breakingnews.ie website.

For "disruptions" read "roads closed off, security clearance to scratch your head, protests, etc, etc"  Total close down I would say.


Regards,

Frank.