OBAMA VISIT:MIDLAND RESIDENTS hoping to catch a glimpse of US president Barack Obama are likely to face disappointment next week, with "very severe" visitor restrictions expected in Moneygall, Co Offaly.
Upwards of 50 US officials and security personnel arrived in the village yesterday to review security. The staff were joined by representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the American embassy, White House and Offaly County Council.
Local canon Stephen Neill admitted “tensions are running high and peoples’ expectations are very high” in the lead up to the visit. He said local people and those already connected to the story should be prioritised. “I would hate to see people who should be there being displaced by VIPs,” Canon Neill remarked.
“It is very much a personal, private visit, very much about the people of Moneygall welcoming the president home.
“It is very important that this doesn’t get hijacked by VIPs,” he added.
Along with other members of the local committee, Canon Neill has been inundated with requests for tickets in recent days. “The priority is for local people and obviously the president,” he insisted.
Mr Obama’s distant relative Henry Healy dismissed as “rumour and speculation” any talk of Moneygall residents having to travel to Dublin to see the president.
“There has been no official indication yet as to the restrictions, it’s just rumour and speculation,” he said. “They haven’t decided anything as yet as far as I know.
“People around here are just getting on with it. They are confident that the village will be involved in the visit no matter what,” said Mr Healy.
Mr Healy claimed Moneygall would be prepared for 20,000 visitors but so long as the locals are included “we don’t mind” what restrictions are placed on visitors.
However, one source in Moneygall claimed there will be “very severe limitations” on visitors.
