Obama Announces State Visit To Ireland

President of the United States, Barack Obama, has announced he will make a state visit to Ireland in late May.

Announcing the visit, Mr Obama said he wanted to reaffirm what he described as the "incredible bond" between the two countries and spoke of the "warmth, the affection, the familial and person-to-person contacts" between both States.

The announcement comes after Taoiseach Enda Kenny's visit to Washington on St Patricks Day, during which President Obama said he had had an "excellent conversation" about how Ireland is going to be "bouncing back" from its severe economic challenges.

After the meeting, Mr Obama said: "This is a wonderful tradition each St. Patrick’s Day for me to be able to once again reaffirm the great warmth and affection that we have towards the people of Ireland.

"I intend to come to Ireland in May, and I’m expecting to go not only to all the famous sites, but also to go to Moneygall, where my great-great-great-great-great grandfather hails from."

Mr Obama will be accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and the visit is likely to take place either before or after his visit to Britain from May 24 to 26, and to France for the G8 summit on May 26 and 27.

Foloowing the announcement, the Taoiseach also welcomed the President’s decision saying he absolutely thrilled.

"He follows a long line of Presidents of the United States who visited Ireland. And I can assure you, Mr. President, that this visit will be rapturously received by the people of Ireland.

"Ireland will continue to be a very strong and loyal friend of the United States, and we will work with the authorities and the political process to the benefit of both countries."

(DW)