Irish and Kenyan public figures at Obama lunch

DENIS STAUNTON in Denver

US: MINISTERS Mary Hanafin and Noel Dempsey, Opposition leaders Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore and former president Mary Robinson were among the Irish public figures who joined Kenyan politicians in Denver yesterday to celebrate Barack Obama's Kenyan/Irish heritage.

The lunch was hosted by Irish American Democrats, a political action committee that raises funds and campaigns for Democratic candidates "who promote peace, justice and prosperity in Ireland".

Kenya's minister for water, Charity Ngilu, and the country's ambassador to Washington were among those expected at the lunch, which was held at Kevin Taylor's, a smart Denver restaurant. Former taoiseach John Bruton, who is now EU ambassador to Washington, and Irish Ambassador Michael Collins were also expected to attend the lunch.