Politicians Join In Congratulating Barack Obama

Ireland's politicians - north and south - have symbolically joined in their congratulations for the new President-elect, Barack Obama.

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness congratulated Mr Obama on winning last night's US election.

Mr Robinson said: "Barack Obama's success is a truly historic event. I look forward to working with his administration and to continuing the mutually beneficial relationship that Northern Ireland has developed with the United States over the years."

Mr McGuinness said: "We welcome President elect Obama's commitment to furthering progress in Ireland and look forward to working with him towards to developing and deepening our economic and cultural interests with the US."

The Republic of Ireland's political leaders have also welcomed the election of America's first African-American President.

Belfast-born President Mary McAleese has said the election of the Democratic candidate Barack Obama as the next US President will serve as a beacon of hope around the world.

Also, in a message of goodwill to Mr Obama this morning, Irish leader Brian Cowen extended an invitation to visit Ireland to include his believed ancestral homeland of Moneygall, Co Offaly.

The Taoiseach added that he was looking forward to working with Mr Obama on issues of mutual interest to Ireland and to "building on the existing deep and cherished ties between our two countries."

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny congratulated Senator Obama on his historic and outstanding victory: "This victory by Senator Obama has profound implications for governance in many countries. Senator Obama's victory was achieved not just on the availability of massive resources and an exceptional organisation but on other factors also."

Green Party leader John Gormley was one of the first to react to the news, describing the victory as historic and inspirational.

The Labour Party Leader Eamon Gilmore agreed with his political rivals on the election result, calling the victory for Obama "truly historic".

Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams, also joined with the congratulatory sentiments. He said: "Barack Obama's election shows in politics that change is possible, and people everywhere will be mindful of the long history of African-Americans and of all those who struggled for justice and fairness."

The expressions of goodwill were also echoed on Dublin's streets as both Irish and American supporters of Barack Obama celebrate their candidate's election to President of the United States in various parties around the city.

See: Brown Praises President-Elect Obama

(DW)(BMcC)