THERE was a security scare last night after the Socialist Party leaked details of President Bush's plan to visit a primary school.
The party – who are involved in organising demonstrations at Monday's visit – said a parent contacted them in "disgust" at the "warmonger's" invitation to meet children.
Paddy Meehan from the Socialist Party said: "We received an anonymous tip-off
ADVERTISEMENTfrom a parent who is disgusted.
"It is a disgrace that George Bush, responsible for the death of one million Iraqis should be allowed to visit a primary school here."
Governors asked the News Letter not to reveal its name, fearing it would become the focus of protests which would distress pupils.
There has also been criticism by Assembly members of the decision to scrap Monday's business at the Assembly.
Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy said too much time had already been wasted at Stormont since devolution and the presence of a VIP guest did not justify the suspension.
He noted that the president would not even be in Parliament Buildings, as his tour only took in nearby Stormont castle.
"It's a joke that the Assembly will not sit on Monday," he said.
"The DUP and Sinn Fein should be ashamed of themselves for taking the day off for no valid reason.
"President Bush isn't even coming to Parliament Buildings, so I cannot see how his visit would require the closure of the Assembly.
"The DUP and Sinn Fein would do better to get down to some work on Monday instead of glad-handing with President Bush.
"Why are the DUP and Sinn Fein hiding President Bush down at Stormont Castle?
"Has Monday's visit been organised solely for the purpose of gaining publicity for the DUP and Sinn Fein?
"The public will take a very dim view of this visit and will be extremely annoyed that those in power have decided to take a day off when they should be at work."
And Amnesty International has written to First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness calling on them to raise the issues of Guantánamo Bay, torture and extraordinary rendition when they meet the president.
In the letter, Amnesty's Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan urges the men to use the opportunity to call for a closure of the Guantánamo camp.
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