Democrats living here pledge to get out the vote for last push to the White House

IRELAND: DEMOCRATS LIVING in Ireland gathered in a Dublin pub last night to toast the end of the party's historic convention…

IRELAND:DEMOCRATS LIVING in Ireland gathered in a Dublin pub last night to toast the end of the party's historic convention in Denver this week, writes Mary Fitgerald, Foreign Affairs Correspondent.

Members of the Irish chapter of Democrats Abroad festooned the oak-panelled lounge of O'Neill's pub on Suffolk Street with bunting, balloons and the Stars and Stripes for the occasion.

Footage from the convention, including Barack Obama's entire acceptance speech, was shown on a television in one corner of the room. One reveller brought along a stuffed toy in the shape of a donkey - the Democratic Party's mascot.

"Tonight is a celebration of the last week and the fact we now have a candidate," said Kate Fitzgerald, chairwoman of Democrats Abroad Ireland. "But it's also a rallying call to Democrats and all those Americans waiting for change that this is the time to hunker down and start the real work. We need to harness the energy of this week for the road ahead, and make sure we reach as many voters as possible to get them registered."

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Patti McCann, who moved to Ireland from New Jersey 22 years ago, agreed. "Everyone's pretty excited after Denver but we need to keep that momentum going."

Ms Fitzgerald added that she had stayed up until the early hours each day this week to watch the convention speeches live on TV.

"It was a real hearkening back to his 2004 convention speech. It had that soaring inspirational style, but also packed a very clear message on John McCain's weak points. Obama went on the attack in the most statesmanlike way possible and that was very impressive."

Steven Lohrenz (33), a software engineer from Montana, agreed it had been a successful convention for the party. "It showed the Democrats in a good light."

The Irish chapter of Democrats Abroad has about 770 members.