Daniel Wolfram
Trump’s upcoming trip to Ireland to watch a golf tournament has created an uproar and many demonstrations. It will also require a lot of security.
When the schedule of the President of the United States of America clashes with international sporting events, local authorities face unique security demands.
Trump is coming to watch a golf tournament at his own course. That necessitates a myriad of security measures.
This has made people in Ireland very angry.
Trouble on the greens
United States President Donald Trump will cross the Atlantic next month to attend the Irish Open at his Trump International Golf Links course in Doonbeg.
He is scheduled to arrive in Dublin on September 12.
The president is an avid golfer and spends a lot of time on golf courses. Bringing a full presidential entourage to the Irish countryside during a major tournament creates a massive administrative headache.
Wave of public anger
Opposition to the visit is already building. Activists across Ireland are coordinating broad campaigns to voice their anger during the trip, with rallies planned in Dublin, at Shannon Airport, and around Doonbeg.
Protest organisers expect a “family-friendly, peaceful protest” in the capital. Sara O’Rourke of the Irish Neutrality League confirmed: “The protest will be under the banner of ‘no welcome for Trump’.”
A broad coalition of political parties and activist groups in Ireland is supporting the movement, including Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, and People Before Profit. The leader of People Before Profit, Paul Murphy, said: “Popular opposition to Trump’s militarism, racism and misogyny will be visible on the streets.”
Strict safety demands
Groups involved in the demonstrations also include the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, United Against Racism, and the socialist-feminist group Rosa.
Protecting a visiting head of state is never simple. Irish authorities are preparing for extensive demands from the White House security team tasked with protecting the president.
Irish police forces must now balance high-level presidential protection with managing large crowds of demonstrators and the paid spectators on the golf course. It will test local resources to the limit.
