Oval Office meeting: Obama pledges to return to Ireland

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama yesterday promised to visit Ireland again if he is re-elected.

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama yesterday promised to visit Ireland again if he is re-elected.

Thanking the Taoiseach and the Irish people for their “extraordinary hospitality” during last year’s one-day visit to Dublin and Moneygall, Mr Obama said he had provided “assurances” he would return.

“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.”

Mr Obama described his talk with Mr Kenny yesterday during a meeting at the Oval Office as “terrific” and identified the economy and “putting our people back to work” as one of the biggest priorities for both countries. The president expressed confidence in the Government’s ability to “get Ireland moving again”.

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Mr Obama said the Taoiseach described the steps taken by the Government to stabilise the banking system, get control of the budget and grow in the future.

“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 Obama gave special praise to Irish peacekeepers and humanitarian workers, saying Ireland “punches above its weight internationally” by making peace and issues like hunger a priority.

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”.

The conversation among European leaders “has shifted from one of being just austerity to being one of good budgetary discipline”, Mr Kenny told the president.

The two leaders also discussed the EU fiscal compact.

“I expect the Irish people will endorse the treaty very strongly because it’s an insurance policy for the country and the next generation, if for some unknown reason money had to be drawn down from the ESM [European Stability Mechanism], and also to keep up the confidence level about investment in our country,” he said.

Education and job opportunities between Ireland and the US were also discussed during a “really worthwhile” meeting, the Taoiseach said.

The Taoiseach awarded Certificates of Irish Heritage to six prominent Irish-Americans last night. At the White House Mr Obama received a certificate along with a crystal bowl filled with shamrock.

In a speech the Taoiseach said thanks to the courage, resilience and sacrifice of its people Ireland was now facing in the right direction: “Our economy is stabilising. Our exports are thriving. Our international reputation is being restored. Ireland is building itself a better future.”

Mr Kenny said he wished to bring Ireland’s current emigrants to the heart of the White House celebrations: “I say to their parents, their families: my work and that of my Government is aimed at ensuring that these children, Ireland’s children can live and work at home if that is their intention and desire.”

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen is Health Editor of The Irish Times