Robinson And McGuinness Congratulate President Obama

The First and deputy First Minister have congratulated Barack Obama on his re-election to the White House.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness released a statement today.

They said: "We congratulate President Obama on his re-election. As part of his previous term we were fortunate to receive considerable support from President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton. We look forward to further developing this relationship.

"The American administration has always been a strong supporter of the peace and political process and we do not underestimate the positive role it has played over recent years.

"We look forward to building upon already established strong business, cultural and government links with the USA.

"We wish President Obama and the First Lady every success as he begins his second term of office."

The USA’s first black president was re-elected to a second term after defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney, meaning he will get the opportunity to serve the maximum two full terms.

Mr Obama managed to secure more than the 270 votes in the electoral college needed to win, despite polls predicting a close fight to the end.

The American President said he would talk to Mr Romney about "where we can work together to move this country forward".

His win came amid speculation over high unemployment and a struggling US economy, as well as a determined campaign by Mr Romney.

Republicans will keep control of the House of Representatives, which analysts have said is likely to undermine many of the President’s legislative proposals as it did during his first term.

But Obama’s victory speech put emphasis on the country being united and working together to solve the problems facing the US.

"We have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come," he said.

"We are an American family and we rise and fall together as one nation."

(IT/GK)