Saturday, June 15, 2013

It's G8 Weekend! Northern Ireland's Biggest Security Op in 12 Pictures

What Bilderberg is to corporatism, is the G8 to state charity. The two concepts have one thing in common: both divide taxpayer's loot. Neither have anything to do with capitalism

G8 protesters want more tax payers money redistributed as state charity

The single biggest security operation ever mounted in Northern Ireland has been stepped up to its highest level, a day before the world’s most powerful leaders arrive here for the G8 summit. Thousands of police from across the UK are being deployed for a massive clampdown that will affect daily life across the province. 

An impregnable ring of steel has been thrown around parts of Fermanagh, with hospitals, schools, transport services, airports and communities all facing disruption. Belfast is expected to experience traffic chaos on Monday, as President Barack Obama jets into Aldergrove on Air Force One before travelling on to Lough Erne.

District commander Chief Superintendent Pauline Shields of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the G8 security operation across Fermanagh and Belfast is "the biggest operation that the PSNI has ever had to deal with".

The luxurious Lough Erne Resort, which is hosting the G8, is now completely sealed. A four-mile long metal fence surrounds the complex, and razor wire has been laid out in fields and hedgerows around the five-star hotel. Security checkpoints and guards — including covert patrols of armed Gurkhas — line the route to and around the resort. 


Police officers including members of the PSNI undergo riot training and the use of dogs at Longmoor Army Camp. Andrew Matthews/PA Wire


Temporary cell blocks which have been built at Omagh police station in Co Tyrone, which are being made available for G8 summit protests. By Paul Faith/PA Wire


Lough Erne Golf Resort of hotel manager Ferghal Purcell in one of the plush rooms that will host the world leaders. Cliff Donaldson/Lough Erne Golf Resort/PA Wire


Razor wire which has been laid in fields near the Lough Erne resort in County Fermanagh


Theresa Villiers MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, observes the final G8 security arrangements at the Lough Erne resort, with Chief Inspector Sue Ann Steen. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker.


Police man a checkpoint at the entrance to Lough Erne Hotel resort. Paul Faith/PA Wire


An anti-G8 mural unveiling at the back of Free Derry Corner. By John Black


The launch of the 'Big IF Belfast' concert at Botanic Gardens. The IF campaign will call on the world's most powerful leaders to ensure the eradication of world hunger is top of the agenda. Photo: Neil Harrison


The launch of the 'Big IF Belfast' concert at Botanic Gardens. The IF campaign will call on the world's most powerful leaders to ensure the eradication of world hunger is top of the agenda. Photo: Neil Harrison


A car makes its way along a security fence erected around the G8 venue


Oxfam's 'Big Head' G8 leaders arrive in Northern Ireland


Police officers including members of the PSNI undergo riot training including the use of dog handlers at Longmoor Army Camp