31 December 1997

Robinson Mayo home without Garda protection

By Tom Shiel

Former President Robinson is understood to have expressed concern to the Garda authorities that she is no longer entitled to full-scale Garda security on her private estate in County Mayo.

Not long after assuming the Presidency in 1990, Mrs. Robinson purchased the splendid Massbrook Estate at Pontoon for a sum in the region of £350,000.

Set in 120 acres of gardens, the 100 year old two-storey mansion overlooking Lough Conn offered an ideal escape for the Robinson family from the pressures of the Aras.

As part of the security arrangements for Mrs. Robinson, one uniformed officer and one armed detective were assigned to Massbrook.

PATROLLED

The officers were officially attached to the nearby Lahardane Station and regularly patrolled the Massbrook Estate even when the Robinsons were not resident there.

Following Mrs. Robinson's decision not to go for another term as President, Garda cover for Massbrook has been withdrawn even though the former President and her family will continue to holiday there.

The Connaught Telegraph has confirmed that this is a source of concern to Mrs. Robinson as she is still a high profile figure because of her United Nations position.

The Garda Siochana isn't commenting officially on the situation stating that the positioning of security manpower is "an operational matter".

However, the Telegraph has learnt that the two special officers assigned for duties on the Robinson estate have been withdrawn for other duties.

DUTIES

Certain security arrangements are in place though whenever Mrs. Robinson is in Ireland on a break from official duties in Geneva.

This involves the provision of a Garda driver and car for the Commissioner to take her wherever she likes here.

Massbrook House is the former home of multi-millionaire Denis Ferranti who died five years ago.

Mrs. Robinson is reputed to have paid £350,000 for the property which is located 12 miles from Castlebar and approximately a similar distance from Ballina.

The peace and tranquillity of the estate attracted the former President's family. Although they are concerned by the scaling down of security, there is little they can do about it except possibly make their own arrangements.