Washington keeps details of President Obama’s trip secret

DARA KELLY,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 8:14 AM

Updated Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 8:14 AM

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President Obama surrounded by his CIA bodyguards

Photo by Google Images

The details surrounding President Barack Obama's visit to Ireland were discussed at a planning meeting held in Washington DC yesterday, according to a report in The Irish Times.

President Obama is expected to arrive in the Republic on or around May 21, but to date that the length of his stay in Ireland has not been determined, giving ground to speculation about the duration of his visit.

After a report on Irish Central that President Obama might remain in Ireland for only five hours, an opinion poll on this website found that 71 per cent of respondents felt this "would insult the people of Ireland and Irish-Americans."

The White House has taken note of the outcry and its understood that plans are already being discussed to find a workable solution within the restrictive schedule the president works in.

Meanwhile, the Irish Times reports that Queen Elizabeth is expected to visit the Garden of Remembrance to lay a wreath in honor of the leaders of the 1916 Rising during her State visit to the Republic, which is scheduled to take place on May 17 until the 20.

It is an unprecedented gesture of reconciliation by the British monarch and may prove to be one of the most symbolic moments of her Irish visit.

Nster.com

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Inchigeelagh | Apr 06, 2011, 07:41 PM EDT

CIA Bodyguards??? The President is guarded by the U.S. Secret Service. My late husband was an agent from 1971 to 1991. He was scheduled to travel with President Reagan when he went to Ireland, but had one of his criminal cases go to trial & he missed the trip. I'm sure all the agents with Irish last names (and there are many of them!) will be trying to get on this trip!

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Advocate | Apr 06, 2011, 12:39 PM EDT

The reason for the 'secrecy' is his travel abroad on many extremely expensive, useless vacations, are all taking place without a LAWFUL Passport!!! (Which is a lawful REQUIREMENT for everybody except the millions of illegal's who are about to recieve full Amnesty and benifits...) He obviously dosen't have one, because he and his anti-American, Socialist, Puppet-Masters REFUSE to show a lawful Birth Certificate, which of course, is absolutely necessary to obtain a Passport! What a waste and a huge expense... But, We the SHEEPle don't care, so I guess it matters not! Pray for what's left of our America and our troops and the poor people of Ireland who have are about to recieve a visit from this creature who brings ONLY lies and destruction... How sad!!!

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JBRAFTREE | Apr 05, 2011, 06:14 PM EDT

Good for Ireland, I hope these two visiting will help somebody's economy. "Their Queen", and our "King". I hope these dates are spot-on because I'll be there a week or so before O'B. Staying about 35 mi from 'Moneygold'. I definitely don't want to see any of their advance parties.

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Scrivner | Apr 05, 2011, 03:03 PM EDT

His people have heard that there are a lot of republicans thereabouts, and they are worried that they may invite him to a "tea party." Therefore the secrecy. Also, they couldn't locate an electricity converter for his teleprompter.

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antoman | Apr 05, 2011, 11:29 AM EDT

There will be men in Kilkenny reeking of aftershave that have never used it before,and some women too.

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antoman | Apr 05, 2011, 11:19 AM EDT

If he goes to Moneygall and is overwhelmed and becomes dizzy from the smell of fresh paint.I suggest his security detail raise him aloft on their shoulders where the air might be more palatable.

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