21/03/2012

Obama Vows To Return To Ireland

US President Barack Obama yesterday pledged he would return to Ireland if he is re-elected.

“It was a magical day. It was too short,” Mr Obama said. “The warmth and the goodwill that was expressed towards us I think was really representative of the deep bonds that exist between the US and Ireland; bonds that are almost unique among two countries around the world.”

He also thanked the Taoiseach and the Irish people for their “extraordinary hospitality” during last year’s one-day visit.

Mr Obama revealed how he and Enda Kenny had talked about both countries economies and the importance of “putting people back to work”, and expressed confidence in the Irish governments ability to “get Ireland moving again”.

“It is important that both the people of Ireland and the American people understand the extraordinary benefits of trade, commerce and investment between our two countries,” he said.

Mr Kenny said the “outstanding” reception shown to him in Washington “confirms my belief that the reputation of our country has been restored internationally and that the unique relationship that we’ve always had with the US is exceptionally strong”.

(H/GK)


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