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In the space of one week Dublin city and its inhabitants have undergone the grandest security operation in the history of the state.
But despite another day of disruptions and delays caused by the arrival of US president Barack Obama, the public continue to look on the bright side, saying “yes we can” deal with the inconveniences.
“I don’t mind the delays at all, the guards are doing a great job and we’re better being safe than sorry,” said Claire McKenna from Rathgar. “I feel very proud to be Irish today.”
“He’s a gentleman of the world and I’m delighted to welcome him to our shores and I hope he gets the respect he deserves,” said John Murray from Portadown.
With extra congestion around Trinity College and limited access to the main gates, students continue to take it all in their stride, despite being in the middle of exams.
“I have no problem putting up with the inconveniences, the country is getting huge international attention and hopefully we will reap many rewards,” said Trinity student Kevin Lougheed from Firhouse in Dublin.
“It’s a winning move for both countries and it’s worth all the short term delays,” added John Stapleton from Mountmellick in Laois.
Despite a majority of good wishes and welcomes for President Obama and the First Lady, there were some critical of the motivation for the visit.
“I experienced delays this morning and to be honest it made my day more complicated that its worth,” said David Limond who works in Trinity College.
“I think the only long term benefit of this visit will be for Obama and his election prospects. “Sadly, I think the country has been taken in by a political stunt, it’s like a Shannon stopover stretched out a bit longer. I certainly won’t be going out to see him, in fact, I will walk in the opposite direction” he added.
One concern voiced both by fans and critics of the state visit is the blustery weather conditions.
“It’s a pity it’s so cold today, I was hoping to get out to see him but I don’t know if I will brave the weather now,” said Colette Brooks from Balinteer.
“Delays and restrictions don’t bother me, I just hope the winds calm down and the rain stays off for the public event on College Green, “ said Mary Hyland, a pharmacist from Cahir, Co Tipperary.
