05/11/2008

Obama Victory Welcomed By Taoiseach And President

Ireland's political leaders have welcomed the election of America's first African American President on the morning of the historic victory.

President Mary McAleese has said the election of the Democratic candidate Barack Obama as the next US President will serve as a beacon of hope around the world.

Mrs McAleese congratulated the Illinois Senator this morning on behalf of the Irish people.

In a message of goodwill to Mr Obama this morning, Mr Cowen extended an invitation to Mr Obama to visit Ireland and his ancestoral homeland of Moneygall, Co Offaly.

The Taoiseach added that he was looking forward to working with Mr Obama on issues of mutual interest to Ireland and to "building on the existing deep and cherished ties between our two countries."

Mr Cowen also formally invited US president-elect Obama to visit Ireland and his ancestral home in County Offaly where reportedly a local Church of Ireland rector Stephen Neill recently found evidence that Mr Obama’s fourth great-grandfather was a shoemaker in the village of Moneygall.

Last night, the village threw its own celebration party in a local pub in anticipation of a Barak victory in the US presidential election.

Ms McAleese said the election was transformational in its power and scope and would serve as a beacon of hope amid the turbulence and uncertainty of the global economic situation.

She also added that she hoped Mr Obama would be successful in charting a new and dynamic course for the United States.

(DW)


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