Hoteliers reluctant to search guests despite bombing

HOTELIERS in Northern Ireland appeared reluctant today to visibly step up security measures following the bombing of Mahon's Hotel in Co Fermanagh on Sunday.

Forensic experts are still scouring the hotel for evidence following the attack.

Hotel owner Tommy Mahon received a telephone call from the Continuity IRA, a Republican terrorist group which has never declared a ceasefire, early on Sunday evening giving 20 minutes to clear the building. Around 80 guests were evacuated. The bomb was planted beneath an oil tank at the rear of the hotel.

Tanya Carson, general manager of the Carrybridge Hotel in Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh, which was bombed in 1996, said that staff would be extra vigilant.

Northern Ireland's largest hotel group Hastings Hotels is to "discreetly increase" the patrolling of its hotels in direct response to the weekend bombing. But managing director Howard Hastings said that he was extremely reluctant to add barriers or search guests.

"It is hoped that the bombing of the hotel in Fermanagh is an isolated event and does not mark the beginning of a return to the targeting of commercial premises by terrorists," he said.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary has issued no warnings for extra security.

"There are still groups intent on bombing and after 30 years, hoteliers are already well-tuned in to their security measures," said a spokesman.

By Christina Golding