G8 security: Praise for police after Fermanagh bomb

World leaders will gather at the Lough Erne golf resort

The police are doing a "fantastic job" securing the venue for the G8 summit in Fermanagh following the discovery of a bomb last week, a minister has said.

Northern Ireland Office Minister Mike Penning was speaking in Enniskillen, where the June event will be held.

A device containing 60kg of explosives was found 16 miles away from the Lough Erne golf resort, which is hosting the summit.

Mr Penning said the bombers "bottled it" nine miles from Enniskillen.

The bomb was found in an abandoned car on the Derrylin Road, outside Enniskillen, and later defused.

"They will not disrupt the community here and they are not going to continue to disrupt the community anywhere else within Northern Ireland," said Mr Penning.

"The police are doing a fantastic job and I give them my full support for that."

Mr Penning was accompanied by Justice Minister David Ford. They spoke to those involved in the security operation and met representatives of the local community.

Mike Penning has viewed the venue for the G8 summit

Mr Ford said it was not entirely clear where the bomb was destined for, but the police said its target may have been Lisnaskea police station.

Security in a wide area surrounding the hotel has been increased in recent weeks with police patrols, vehicle checkpoints and security barriers.

Mr Ford said: "What is absolutely clear is that it was terrorism aimed at causing death and disruption.

"It's absolutely clear that those who are carrying out these acts are rejected by the vast majority of people in Fermanagh and the whole of Northern Ireland."

He said the G8 would have a positive impact on the area.

"I think what we have every opportunity to see is Fermanagh being put in a good light. The positive side of Northern Ireland being shown by the G8 with long-term economic benefits for all of us," he said.

Mr Penning said he would anticipate the G8 would provide a legacy for tourism, but added that there would be disruption.

"People will want to come and stay and see where President Obama (and) all those other great leaders actually were for the G8 - that's what I expect and that's what I hope for the local community," he said.