Brendan Gleeson has described President Barack Obama’s visit to Ireland as “inspirational”.
Speaking to Hotpress Magazine the award winning Irish actor said he found presidents visit was energizing.
"I found it inspirational. I wanted it to turn things around and I think it actually did. The energy was amazing," He said.
The actor who is currently starring in “The Guard” spoke about his conversation with First Lady Michelle Obama: "I said something inane like, 'We really needed that – thanks, for leading the faith, saying that we’re worth believing in'. She said, 'Yeah, yeah – work work work!'
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“And I thought that was really cool because it wasn’t about any abstract concept of faith, hope and charity. I think that’s the answer we have to face into now after the euphoria: we have to do the work."
Speaking about his character in the “Guard” who declares "I’m Irish – racism is part of my culture", Gleeson admits it’s the shock factor that gets people: “Because people do that all the time, especially here, especially – (giggles) – down the country. I think it's a tester to see, ‘Well, how racist are you?’
“We have to watch it. There are so many times you come across claims that maybe we’re racist in America or we’re racist here. You begin to believe badly of yourself, that the Irish as a nation can be racist. Because they can," he added.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.mamaginnty | Jul 02, 2011, 10:47 AM EDT
America was in a mess long before Mr Obama took over, billions being spent on overseas wars, and hundreds of young american soldiers being killed. Mr Obama did not cause the recession either, that is world-wide.
Towngate | Jul 02, 2011, 04:00 AM EDT
Nice of Mr Gleeson to seek approval from an unelected visitor for the existamce of the Irish people! How dare he!? Ireland is supposed to be free! Obama represents a country which refused to help fund the current Irish crisis whilst at the same time condemning Irelands reliance on and loyalty to her European partners. If this revolting sucking up to America goes on much longer, we will have to incorporate a Brown Nose into the Irish flag!
peterson | Jul 01, 2011, 06:50 PM EDT
Hey OleSarge, you are absolutely correct !!
OleSarge | Jul 01, 2011, 05:21 PM EDT
Mr Gleeson may be forgiven his wrong impression of President Obama. If he lived in the United States and saw and felt first hand the oppression and misery this man has caused, he would be voting this bum out in 493 days.
imuverin | Jul 01, 2011, 11:19 AM EDT
Talk about IRISH Racism.colkelly is a star, You native Irish are not as bright as we Americans of Irish ancestry. No wonder he doesn't like our Beloved President Obama and his beautiful wife Michelle, he is bigoted to Blacks and can not see past that,to all the wonderful things that have been done, my life has been inspired by the new lifestyle we enjoy in the good old USA. I thank god that I did not inherit my Fathers Racism, but I guess colkelley still has the "Old Country" in his Blood
colkelley | Jul 01, 2011, 09:51 AM EDT
Inspirational? In what way? If you think so highly of the "Campaigner-in-Chief" then PLEASE take him back to Ireland and keep him permanently. He has already stopped leading (did he ever start?) and begun fundraising (he wants ONE BILLION DOLLARS for his campaign), interrupted only by golf and vacationing - but he can't be bothered to take a break to negotiate a budget or increase of the debt ceiling. You native Irish are not as bright as we Americans of Irish ancestry. Gullible is the only possible description of the Irish adulation of this self-proclaimed and self-aggrandizing so-called Messiah.