Statement from the Assembly Speaker, Edwin Poots MLA on the success of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush

The Assembly Speaker, Edwin Poots MLA said: “I was delighted at the weekend to be amongst the thousands enjoying the Open at Royal Portrush and cheering on Rory McIlroy.  As Speaker, I regularly meet diplomats and other international representatives on behalf of the Assembly.  One of my frequent reflections is that those visitors are often quicker to recognise the strengths and positive potential of Northern Ireland and our people than we are ourselves.

“My overwhelming takeaway from the experience of being at Royal Portrush was pride that our wee country hosted such a truly impressive event.  From the welcome and hospitality offered by the town of Portrush, the efforts of thousands of volunteers, the sheer logistical challenge undertaken by a range of organisations and agencies to host an event of this scale, and the atmosphere generated by the hundreds of thousands of spectators, this was a remarkable collective achievement for Northern Ireland plc.  Congratulations and thanks are due to all those involved who managed to surpass the success of the Open in 2019.

“From the international visitors I have spoken to, and the television coverage which has been broadcast across the globe, we have seen yet again that Northern Ireland punches well above its weight and that events like this have huge economic benefits.  On the floor of the Assembly, it is of course always reflected that there are many major issues and challenges to be dealt with locally.  However, it is important that we also ensure that we do not overlook tremendous achievements such as the Open of the past week and the opportunities they can provide.”