Costs to taxpayers for visits of overseas dignatories.

[vivandorron]

I have just heard on BBC news that it is likely to cost us taxpayers 12million pounds plus, for the Pope to visit the UK. I dread to think what it is going to cost us if President Obama of the USA should decide to visit our island, when we are in dire straits financially.

It is my view that anyone visiting our country should pay their individual costs for police protection etc. If they can't afford it, then they should stay away, as I do when it comes to visiting foreign countries.

Any comments folk ?.

Ron

[Buenchico]

The cost of hosting a Papal visit is probably rather MORE than that of hosting a Presidential one. That's because (for example) President Obama would make only a few public appearances, in tightly controlled circumstances. The very nature of a Papal visit means that HIs Holiness has to be seen by the public throughout much of his visit, often in front of vast crowds.

George Bush's visit, back in 2003, cost £5.5m in policing costs. Even allowing for inflation, greater security (and, of course, the Metropolitan Police's ever-increasing ability to waste money), it's hard to see how a visit form the US President would cost more than a visit from the Pope.

Chris

[237SJ]

The catholic church has enough money and they should be paying for his protection

[sandyRoe]

He's going to Scotland. Shouldn't they be paying?

[lslowry]

I agree with paying their own costs Ron. Even worse is the amount of money paid out to protect Bliar with his personal police officers!!

[vivandorron]

Hi Chris, I always find it difficult to disagree with you because you are so realistic about most matters. However, I may have put myself in a position of being labelled as an anti-catholic. The truth is that I am anti-religion; despite the fact that I was privileged to have been privately educated in the Bible College of Wales.

I agree with237SJ and sandyRoe has raised an interesting point. Furthermore,I completely go along with Islowry about us taxpayers still having to fork-out for a man who, in my opinion , was nothing more than a con- merchant.

Ron

[Buenchico]

Hi Ron.

I'm very much 'anti-religion' too. I only used the title 'His Holiness' out of convention, not out of deference ;-)

Chris

[wolf63]

So - God's Rottweiler is coming to visit and we have to pay for his holiday?

This is a lot of money - what do WE all get in return?

[vivandorron]

Papal Propaganda.