Labour politician labels Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland a "security nightmare"

A Labour politician and member of the Seanad has called Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Ireland a "security nightmare" and defended people’s right to protest the controversial figure’s visit.

Trump is set to be in Ireland from September 12 to 13, where he will attend some events in Dublin, but his main purpose is to attend the Irish Open at his own golf course in Doonbeg, County Clare.

The tournament will see Rory McIlroy try to defend the title he won last year at the K Club, as the likes of Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka and Robert MacIntyre are among the star-studded field expected in Clare.

The decision to play the Open at Doonbeg last year was controversial, and as the September 10 start date nears, plans for protests have emerged, raising security concerns for Donald Trump.

Labour Senator for Sligo Nessa Cosgrove labelled the visit a "security nightmare" and, speaking to TIME magazine, spoke about the toll on the Gardaí to protect Trump while Ireland is also hosting the EU Presidency.

"Protecting a serving U.S. President is a serious responsibility," Cosgrove told TIME. "And An Garda Síochána [Ireland’s police force] must have the resources necessary to do that safely."

She also added that people have a right to protest: "We should also be very clear that people have every right to peacefully protest President Trump’s visit. We expect significant protests, and many Labour Party members and elected representatives will be joining them.

"Many people in Ireland have profound and legitimate objections to his Administration’s actions and policies, to put it mildly, and they have every right to make those views heard."

With the demand for security at this time, the Irish military has set up a special joint command and control centre, dubbed ‘The Octagon’, at a Dublin barracks to oversee its response.

*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.