SECURITY:US SECRET Service agents protecting US president Barack Obama were left red-faced yesterday when one of the vehicles in the presidential cavalcade got stuck on a ramp exiting the underground car park of the US embassy in Ballsbridge, Dublin.
It was initially thought Mr Obama and the US first lady Michelle Obama were in the bomb-proof Cadillac limousine, known as “the Beast”. The White House later said the couple were not in the vehicle at the time it became wedged.
The incident occured at about 1.30pm when the cavalcade was leaving the embassy on Elgin Road after Mr Obama called to meet with staff there. When the car drove up the ramp a loud bang and scraping could be heard. The underside of the vehicle became jammed on the concrete where the top of the steep ramp meets the level pavement. The car was unable to move, resulting in US security agents on foot swarming around the vehicle.
A US security agent alighted from the passenger front seat of the car and another from the back. They quickly signalled to their colleagues to drive a car and minibus across the entrance, thus blocking the view from the street.
The other cars lower down the ramp and still in the underground car park reversed and exited the car park via an alternative exit.
The Obamas could be seen moments later in another bomb and bullet-proof limousine Cadillac driving away, having left the car park via the alternative exit. They were then taken to a helicopter to begin their journey to Moneygall. One onlooker said he saw US security personnel taking the presidential crest and the Irish and US flags from the trapped vehicle.
The decision to leave Dublin last night rather than this morning meant the massive US, Garda and Defence Forces security operation put in place to guard the Obamas overnight was not needed.
The US Secret Service had reportedly taken control of the Merrion Hotel in the centre of Dublin in anticipation of the Obamas staying there.