Bush visit raises Olympic fears

David Eades BBC sports correspondent

As President Bush prepares for his three-day sojourn to Britain, his visit is concentrating the minds of those seeking to bring the entire sporting world to London.

For Keith Mills, chief executive of London 2012, there is nothing more paramount than security and nothing more likely to affect the final cost of staging the Games if they win the bid in less than two years time.

"You can't rule out a sharp hike in costs," he says.

London is bidding for the 2012 games

He also cannot rule out the realities of what terrorists are capable of either.

Taking the view from his office on the 50th floor of Canary Wharf Tower, it is difficult to escape thoughts of 11 September, 2001.

"There is nothing you can do to stop somebody doing something crazy," he muses.

"But these are problems I can't do anything about, so I refuse to worry about them."

'Prime target'

"Our candidate files must include a very detailed security plan - it has to be a blueprint.

"Yes, London is a prime target but all that I would say is that London is also considered to be one of the safest cities in the world.

"It is also worth pointing out that we have the expertise here - the Metropolitan Police head up the IOC's Security Commission - so we are in safe hands."

It is not about politics, it is about endeavour Keith Mills Chief Executive, London 2012

The British Government's policy towards Iraq may also play into the equation - not just for reasons of security but for determining the way some IOC members choose to vote.

"I am sure some of them will take a political view as opposed to an Olympic one", says Mr Mills.

"I hope there won't be too many of them. It is not about politics, it is about endeavour."

'Huge support'

But politics - and politicians - form an integral part of any Olympic bid. So what role is there for the Prime Minister, Tony Blair?

"It would be wonderful if Mr Blair could be at the decisive IOC session for the decision itself," says Mr Mills.

"We do want a higher government profile for the bid but only at the appropriate time.

"We are getting huge support, which is not very visible."

And what if, for all his efforts, Mr Mills ends up on a losing bid?

"I would be mortified if, in the 20 months I am working on it, nothing good comes from it.

"But already we are seeing genuine improvements: planning permission is being pushed through in months rather than years and there will be some sporting facilities, like the Aquatic Centre, which will be built irrespective of winning the bid.

"And we are seeing joined-up government now, people talking to each other at every level, governing bodies, local government, the London Development Agency; barriers are being broken down, we have a can-do attitude."

All of which gives him real hope for London 2012.

"As in any marketing environment, we are trying to produce a win, win, win scenario.

"We have a good team, not a large one, and we have a game plan.

"I can't tell you what that is, but we have a plan."