Today, the Commander in Chief and his wife paid a visit to Ireland of all places today. It was a flying visit. Arriving early this morning but already departed.
The Obamas were met with the usual wet and blustery conditions one is normally met with at Dublin Airport which has is own unique weather system to remind those coming home from holiday that they're back in reality now. Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and Ambassador Dan Rooney were on hand to welcome the visitors and take them to Áras an Uachtaráin for a private meeting with President Mary McAleese.
Obama then held talks with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny at Farmleigh this morning, where they discussed a range of issues, including Ireland's deficit problems and US planes stopping at Shannon. Mr. Obama said the bond and relationship between the two countries could not be stronger. He said 'we will do everything to help' Ireland in its economic recovery. He said he was inspired by the progress made in the peace process in Northern Ireland and that it was obvious to him that Ireland punches above its weight in a range of issues, including food security and peace keeping.
It is also understood that a brief but important meeting was held between the leaders and Colonel "Whopper" Creedon of U.N.E.T.I.D.A. but there was no official confirmation.
This afternoon, Marine One brought POTUS and FLOTUS to Mr. Obama's ancestral home of Moneygall, Co Offaly where they embraced Henry Healy, Mr. Obama's distant cousin, who greeted them on arrival. They then spent time to meet and greet some of the hundreds of onlookers before visiting the local shop and having a pint of Guiness in Ollie Hayes' pub for which the President insisted on paying for with a €50 note. Publican Hayes told RTE later, he was so surprised and starstruck, he completely forgot to give The President his €46.25 [$65] change!
The Obamas returned to Dublin to take the stage in College Green where the President delivered a resounding address. "This little country, that inspires the biggest things -- your best days are still ahead. Our greatest triumphs -- in America and Ireland alike -- are still to come. And, Ireland, if anyone ever says otherwise, if anybody ever tells you that your problems are too big, or your challenges are too great, that we can’t do something, that we shouldn’t even try -- think about all that we’ve done together. Remember that whatever hardships the winter may bring, springtime is always just around the corner."
Air Force One departed for London just before 21:30 earlier than tomorrow morning's schedule due to the volcanic ash cloud.
The Obamas were met with the usual wet and blustery conditions one is normally met with at Dublin Airport which has is own unique weather system to remind those coming home from holiday that they're back in reality now. Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and Ambassador Dan Rooney were on hand to welcome the visitors and take them to Áras an Uachtaráin for a private meeting with President Mary McAleese.
Obama then held talks with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny at Farmleigh this morning, where they discussed a range of issues, including Ireland's deficit problems and US planes stopping at Shannon. Mr. Obama said the bond and relationship between the two countries could not be stronger. He said 'we will do everything to help' Ireland in its economic recovery. He said he was inspired by the progress made in the peace process in Northern Ireland and that it was obvious to him that Ireland punches above its weight in a range of issues, including food security and peace keeping.
It is also understood that a brief but important meeting was held between the leaders and Colonel "Whopper" Creedon of U.N.E.T.I.D.A. but there was no official confirmation.
This afternoon, Marine One brought POTUS and FLOTUS to Mr. Obama's ancestral home of Moneygall, Co Offaly where they embraced Henry Healy, Mr. Obama's distant cousin, who greeted them on arrival. They then spent time to meet and greet some of the hundreds of onlookers before visiting the local shop and having a pint of Guiness in Ollie Hayes' pub for which the President insisted on paying for with a €50 note. Publican Hayes told RTE later, he was so surprised and starstruck, he completely forgot to give The President his €46.25 [$65] change!
The Obamas returned to Dublin to take the stage in College Green where the President delivered a resounding address. "This little country, that inspires the biggest things -- your best days are still ahead. Our greatest triumphs -- in America and Ireland alike -- are still to come. And, Ireland, if anyone ever says otherwise, if anybody ever tells you that your problems are too big, or your challenges are too great, that we can’t do something, that we shouldn’t even try -- think about all that we’ve done together. Remember that whatever hardships the winter may bring, springtime is always just around the corner."
Air Force One departed for London just before 21:30 earlier than tomorrow morning's schedule due to the volcanic ash cloud.