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.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.PolinDeB | Mar 06, 2011, 12:48 AM EST
We'd love to have Barack Obama in Ireland...
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.
peterson | Mar 04, 2011, 01:21 PM EST
To akelly. Who is going to clean up the mammoth mess Obama will leave behind ??
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.
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.
Scrivner | Feb 28, 2011, 12:00 AM EST
I hope that he doesn't forget his teleprompter, or his speech will be sooooooo "interesting."
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.
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.
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.
peterson | Feb 27, 2011, 01:53 PM EST
Obama backers are in the minority according to my friends in the USA --
alaskachic93 | Feb 27, 2011, 12:59 PM EST
Mr. Obama will not have my Irish vote.
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.
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!
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.
irishwxman | Feb 27, 2011, 07:41 AM EST
Why?
Gearoid4 | Feb 27, 2011, 12:46 AM EST
If the current occupant on the British throne is due for a visit to the ole sod, why not the current incumbent in the Whitehouse whose Kearney ancestors left the Emerald Isle in the 18th C? It'll be a roit hooley, I promise ye!
brent46 | Feb 26, 2011, 06:34 PM EST
Obama has ben doing a wonderful job as president of the United States. He saves us every day from the crazy Tea Party and the nuts in the Republican Party who want to destroy the lives of the working people.
JBRAFTREE | Feb 26, 2011, 05:16 PM EST
I'm visiting there in early May, don't want to see him or his motorcade. I'll be goin' to west Galway.
LinLinisme | Feb 26, 2011, 05:03 PM EST
Keep him over there. Do not return
feeneycj | Feb 26, 2011, 04:37 PM EST
Obama didn't save the U.S. economy. The bank disaster was recognized and management of excessive risks began before he took office. More legislation is still needed. Many types of jobs were lost forever. Unemployment is still too high. The increasing fuel prices will hurt the economy again.
Siobhan39 | Feb 26, 2011, 03:43 PM EST
To bobduggins and the other Obama haters - how far back can you remember. Apparently not as far as the saintly George W. Bush,who had not problem getting us into an unwinable war.
katieherk | Feb 26, 2011, 03:13 PM EST
OMG... WHAT A LOSER! ANYONE WHO THINKS HE'S INTELLIGENT, A GOOD PRESIDENT OR CHRISTIAN.... DRINK YOUR KOOL AID AND SEND HIM BACK TO MUSLIM TOWN. PLEASE DON'T KEEP HIM IN IRELAND, I WANT TO CONTINUE TO VISIT THERE.
peterson | Feb 26, 2011, 01:56 PM EST
God help us !!
yorkville | Feb 26, 2011, 12:44 PM EST
I think it will be just wonderful to have the president over here,God bless him.
FastEddy | Feb 26, 2011, 12:43 PM EST
Can you folks figure out how to keep him there for a while? We would gladly exchange him for a few dozen Irish workers ...
Gaelicpiper | Feb 26, 2011, 12:27 PM EST
I will wager that when-if-he gets to Ireland, he will magically find Irish roots. The Saints know that he has no connection to the African-American Community. None of his ancestors were held in slavery; so, he tries to be "everyman." Who is this guy-- really? The birthers are off the deep end; however, we know absolutely nothing about Obama? Nothing, that is, except what his ghost writer has provided in his two autobiographies. Something smells here- and it is not the rotten potatoes. The citizens deserve full disclosure from Obama. That includes those who voted for him. Right now he looks like the second coming of Jimmy Carter- whom I also voted for the first time.
hollabackgurl | Feb 26, 2011, 11:48 AM EST
Fantastic news. He is of course more Irish than the birther nuts posting their sour grapes below this comment. It was Bush and 10 years of banking industry bonanzas and then bailouts that nearly destroyed Americas economy. Thank God President Obama saved us from a depression. He's welcome to visit Ireland, where unlike George W Bush, he knows Dublin is the capital city.
colkelley | Feb 26, 2011, 11:48 AM EST
Keep him.
STUMPTOWN | Feb 26, 2011, 11:46 AM EST
Now then, and who put the O in OBAMA? I sure he will enjoy the Irish people and Ireland. May the sun shine on all that day in Ireland.
mcginleynj | Feb 26, 2011, 11:15 AM EST
I agree with Eileen. Keep him there while he seeks and after he has attained the votes of the Irish Suckers. It is his only selfish agenda.
bcoc1124 | Feb 26, 2011, 11:12 AM EST
Give me a break all you Obama haters - It is an honor for a US President to visit Ireland. I'm a proud American Of Irish descent who is also a proud Obama supporter. To those of you who are "Birthers" or who continue the to disbelieve that Obama is Christian - open your eyes and minds. At least he has a brain which is more than can be said of that intellectual lightweight who held the office before him. I trust the the Irish will roll out the green carpet for this grandson of Ireland!
EileenOfarrell | Feb 26, 2011, 10:52 AM EST
To my Irish cousins - please keep Mr. O'Bama over there with you and keep him away from the TV cameras. I need a break from seeing his face on TV every day here. Eileen O'Farrell (no relation)
irishbob | Feb 26, 2011, 10:15 AM EST
I cannot agree more. Keep Imam Obama. Don't send him back here, please!
vincem13 | Feb 26, 2011, 10:14 AM EST
Please do keep him and his steadily growing band of czars and yes men.
LinLinisme | Feb 26, 2011, 09:52 AM EST
Yes, and when he gets there, KEEP him, PLease don't send him back.
CitizenWhy | Feb 26, 2011, 09:50 AM EST
Well, that makes two royal visits in the same month - British and American. Perhaps you could get the real king of Ireland to visit as well, the head of the ECB.
bobduggins | Feb 26, 2011, 09:25 AM EST
Would you please keep BHO and his merry henchmen. Your country has already gone bankrupt. This would give him a fresh start before he bankrupts our. Regards