http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoRjHtPiFnI

YouTube: Hugh O’Connell

THE DEPUTY FIRST Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness has said that the US president has made it clear that he is “absolutely engaged” in the peace process.

Speaking in Lough Erne during the G8 Summit yesterday, the Sinn Féin MLA said that Barack Obama had made it “absolutely clear” in private conversations with him and First Minister Peter Robinson that he would be engaged in the ongoing dialogue in the North.

On the lack of major protests and the potential cost of policing the summit, Robinson defended the bill and the significant security measures in place.

“I think they have got it right, I think it is far better to be over-prepared than to have some event occurring and regretting not talking those steps,” he said, adding that there was very little of the cost being met by the Northern executive.

Both leaders emphasised that the event was a great opportunity to showcase what the North has to offer in terms of tourism.

Taoiseach: I can’t say if G8 leaders will raise Ireland’s tax regime

Read more of TheJournal.ie’s coverage from the G8 in Lough Erne >