Reaction to G8 summit decision

Reaction to Prime Minister David Cameron's announcement that next year's G8 summit meeting will take place in County Fermanagh.

First Minister Peter Robinson

"The decision is indicative of the prime minister's confidence in Northern Ireland and I thank him for his decision to host the summit in Fermanagh and appreciate his continued efforts in helping us to promote Northern Ireland on the global stage.

"This is a massive boost for us and we look forward to welcoming the leaders of the G8 nations from across the world to this part of the United Kingdom."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness

"Quite clearly this is an opportunity for the G8 leaders to sit down and discuss, I hope in a very serious and meaningful way, many of the issues which are afflicting the world at this time.

"Not least the situation in the Middle East, in Syria and Palestine between the Palestinians and the Israelis."

Secretary of State Theresa Villiers

"It will highlight what Northern Ireland, its people and its businesses have to offer to the global community, companies and tourists.

"We are in a global race. G8 will showcase a modern, confident and forward looking Northern Ireland to the world with its potential for inward investment and tourism."

Brian Ambrose, chairman of Tourism Ireland

"This is an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland - not only to world leaders but also to the international media.

"It will raise the profile of Northern Ireland and ultimately help us achieve our goal of increasing visitor numbers from overseas."

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster

"The Lough Erne resort faced stiff competition from several other locations across the UK and I am delighted that it has been chosen as the most suitable host venue.

"I'm sure when US President Barack Obama and the other world leaders attending the summit see the stunning scenery for themselves, they will agree it was the right choice."

Sinn Fein Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Phil Flanagan

"Whatever about the politics of the G8, and Sinn Fein has been very critical of it in the past, I'm sure most in Fermanagh will be happy with the visit of the US President to the county.

"The G8 is, by definition, an exclusive group, its focus is on the interests of a small group of nations. Locating the G8 summit on the island of Ireland will not, I suspect, bring any relief to the economic difficulties we are facing on this island."

Ulster Unionist Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott

"I am confident that with the world's media focusing on Fermanagh for the duration of the G8 summit, there will be a major spin-off for local tourism.

"This will be a welcome boost to the local economy in these straitened economic times and will give us a golden opportunity to showcase the beauty of Fermanagh to a worldwide audience."

Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association

"Given the impact of the recession in recent years this announcement is a massive confidence boost for our members.

"Between now and June there is a massive amount of work to do to ensure that Enniskillen and Northern Ireland provides the best ever location for a G8 Summit so that we can attract even more conferences of this nature in the future."

Rodney Watson, chairman of the Northern Ireland Lakeland Hotels Association

"We have 12 member hotels, one which is five star where all the leaders are going to be, we have five four star properties, including one which is currently being refurbished in time for that, so we feel we're well able to look after all the needs of the various people attached to it," he said.

Vernon Coaker, shadow secretary of state

"On the back of the first and deputy first ministers' trade mission to China last week, this is further evidence that Northern Ireland is open for business and ready to do business.

"I hope this news will help encourage tourism and investment, particularly west of the Bann in beautiful county Fermanagh."