THE 2008 Democratic presidential contest will surely go down as one of the most exciting and groundbreaking in history.

The Democrats will nominate either an African American or a woman for president, an incredible break with the past and a timely reminder of how far the U.S. has come since the days when blacks were slaves and women couldn't even vote.

Other countries have surpassed the U.S. when it comes to electing women leaders. Margaret Thatcher and Angela Merkel, the current German leader, come to mind. However, both were heads of parties that gained power, so their gender was not such an obvious issue.

In this case, having a woman and an African American compete for the right to run for president is a wonderful civics lesson for every American, especially those too young to fully comprehend what an incredible historical reality they are witnessing.

No longer can an African American child or a young girl wake up and believe it is not possible for them to rise to the most important job in the world.

It seems only a generation ago when Irish Catholics first passed the milestone with the election of John F. Kennedy. Back then there was still de facto segregation in much of the south, and the idea of a woman running for president would have been fanciful to say the least.

There are many extraordinary attributes in both candidates, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, which would make either of them a great standard bearer for their party and, indeed, their gender or ethnicity.

The pity is that both come along in the same election, as it would have been very satisfying for many voters to support either one as a groundbreaker and history maker.

Of the two candidates we prefer Senator Clinton. He record on issues of importance to the Irish American community is crystal clear. She was with her husband every step of the way during his intervention in the Irish peace process, without which there would never have been the successful resolution that we're currently witnessing in Northern Ireland.

In her own right she played a significant role, visiting Ireland seven times and creating cross community goodwill which lasted long after her trips were over.

Clinton is also a clear advocate for immigration reform and attended three different rallies held by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, and spoke passionately on the subject.

For his part Obama has obviously had far less sustained contact with the activist Irish American community and its issues, but there is little doubt he is fully committed to immigration reform and would continue to be so if elected to the White House.

However, it would be impossible for him to match the sterling record of Hillary Clinton on Irish issues. She has our complete support and endorsement.

McCain the Man

IN the Republican race there is one candidate who stands head and shoulders above the others.

Senator John McCain put his political prospects on the line by becoming such a passionate supporter of immigration reform. For that alone he deserves our support.

Throw in the fact that his main rival, Mitt Romney has demagogued the immigration issue and demonized Hispanics and anyone else seeking to secure a fair system and our support for McCain is even stronger.