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Obama visit to Ireland is confirmed by senior White House source

Set to arrive in Emerald Isle before his British state visit in May

NIALL O’DOWD,

IrishCentral.com Publisher

Published Saturday, February 26, 2011, 7:17 AM

Updated Saturday, February 26, 2011, 7:17 AM

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37 Comments

President Obama

President Obama is set to visit Ireland in late May, a senior White House source has apparently confirmed.

As first disclosed on Irish Central last week, the Obama White House is anxious to visit Ireland in May, and to set out the president’s credentials to Irish Americans prior to next year’s presidential election.

“The end of May is likely,” the White House official told “The Irish Times,” adding that the aim was for Obama to arrive in Ireland before his U.K. visit which is scheduled from May 24-26.

After that he travels to France for the G8 summit on May 26 and 27.

Obama still has to receive an official invitation from the new Irish government, which is expected to be offered right after the government takes office on March 9.

This week the likely new Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny met with U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney in Dublin, and the visit was discussed.

Irish Central has learned that leading Irish Americans have been asked for their opinion on the visit, and asked to support it if it takes place.

Officials at the Irish Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Embassy in Dublin remained tight-lipped about the visit, however.

“I would welcome a visit one day from President Obama. However, I have no confirmation on timing,” said Rooney.

One problem remains – the historic first state visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland, the timing of which has not been completely decided upon.

Therefore, the incoming prime minister could be faced with a state visit from the Queen, and the first visit to Ireland from Obama.

The Obama administration is well aware that there is a critical Irish American vote in several key states, such as Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Vice President Joe Biden, who is of Irish extraction, was chosen as Obama’s running mate in part to appeal to the working class ethnic vote.

Nster.com

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37 Comments

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PolinDeB | Mar 06, 2011, 12:48 AM EST

We'd love to have Barack Obama in Ireland...

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McNamara31 | Mar 05, 2011, 09:50 AM EST

akellyny Agreed. For anyone who travels frequently back and forth to Ireland and America you can see plain and clear the effects of Fox News on America. They were able to manipulate a large amount of Americans that Obama "was not one of us" and part of a "regime" out to destroy the American way with their daily barrage of propaganda. Outside the U.S. Murdoch has "SKY" News that competes with the BBC and RTE and does none of the low level smear that goes on in this country because of the different election laws on the books in these countries. All you folks that post this garbage have been affected by the "fair and balanced" Fox -gag who now has "how many" conservative candidates prepared to run for president? FOX total GOP garbage News which has had a very detrimental effect on America and its politics.

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peterson | Mar 04, 2011, 01:21 PM EST

To akelly. Who is going to clean up the mammoth mess Obama will leave behind ??

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akellyny | Mar 04, 2011, 09:35 AM EST

And to all of you "Irish" Americans with such hatred towards a man brave enough to take on the mess Bush left behind... You are NOT who you say you are. We have always welcomed Americans to Ireland with open arms. Stop saying you're Irish, you are a disgrace and I would never associate myself (being 100% Irish) with such hypocrites.

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akellyny | Mar 04, 2011, 09:30 AM EST

It just makes me sick to see the amount of uneducated idiots on here who constantly talk about the president using a teleprompter, Bush couldn't string a sentence together and ALL presidents use these! When are you all going to get over the fact that President Obama is NOT a muslim, never mind being so judgemental about that faith. I'm sure you all go to church every week being the typical hypochristians you are. I grew up in Ireland and we never had to worry about going to the doctor or the dentist or to college. Wake up people - socialism is a great thing. I lived it. I know. It sure says alot about the education system in America. I only wish I could have raised my kids in Ireland with its high standards of education and appreciation of music and the arts.

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Scrivner | Feb 28, 2011, 12:00 AM EST

I hope that he doesn't forget his teleprompter, or his speech will be sooooooo "interesting."

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JDohertyNYC | Feb 27, 2011, 07:39 PM EST

I think this is going to be a great trip and worthy of celebration for all Irish Americans. I like Obama and think he is doing a good job. He is a fine statesman who will serve the U.S. well on this visit. I think Ireland will love him as well. Wish I could be there.

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McNamara31 | Feb 27, 2011, 07:27 PM EST

He's a great president during the worst of times that he inherited. He's a self made man and a great father. All the negative spin thrown around about him and his policies are directly caused by the non stop barrage of Fox News who could have made Mother Teresa look like a terrorist. I just returned from a trip to Dublin, London and Paris and Europe loves him.

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Gearoid4 | Feb 27, 2011, 03:33 PM EST

The Irish vote could be crucial in the 'swing' states. So Obama will be polishing up his best 'Oirish' accent e.g 'top o' de mornin' for when he lands on Irish soil next May. This will go down well with na fir agus na na cailíní in Pennslyvania and Ohio. It didn't do the election chances of ole Ronnie Reagan no harm.

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peterson | Feb 27, 2011, 01:53 PM EST

Obama backers are in the minority according to my friends in the USA --

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alaskachic93 | Feb 27, 2011, 12:59 PM EST

Mr. Obama will not have my Irish vote.

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mmccreedy | Feb 27, 2011, 10:17 AM EST

If Barry Obama is Irish, then I am the bloody King of Spain. I look forward to the day when this loser leaves the White House, and takes Marie Antoinette, er Michelle with him. How much is THAT trip going to cost the AMERICAN taxpayer? I am quite sure that Michelle will bring 40-50 of her friends with her, so the taxpayer will have to pay for those losers as well. I guess that is some of the Stimulus money at work eh? What a joke.

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Irishjule | Feb 27, 2011, 09:58 AM EST

How sad that brent46 and others like him think that Obama is doing a "wonderful job" as president. He is doing a wonderful job of trampling on the Constitution and ruining America. He wants "big brother" government to take over every aspect of our lives. I am an adult and can decide for myself what I should eat, which car seats my children should ride in. The government takeover of health care is a disaster. Our country will go broke, no one will have quality health care, and many doctors will give up their practices...not to mention the hidden agendas that have nothing to do with health. Obama is interested in only one thing - to be re-elected so he can ride the gravy train while the rest of us are struggling. IF PEOPLE LIKE BRENT WOULD ONLY LEARN THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT HIM AND HIS CRONIES. Thank God for the TEA Party. We are standing up for YOU!! TEA stands for "Taxed Enough Already". When people have more disposable income, the economy improves. Before you spout off about things you know nothing about, read the Constitution, read about George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Our country has been outstanding because we have been FREE!

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TheaterFan | Feb 27, 2011, 09:16 AM EST

Can't wait to see what get-ups Michelle will be wearing... she who can never seem to figure out what season she's dressing for. $5 says she'll show up at some point in something white, something sleeveless and something with that mandatory wide belt.

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irishwxman | Feb 27, 2011, 07:41 AM EST

Why?

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