Barack Obama London

President O’Bama’s European Tour

The President of the United States of America Barrack Obama arrived into Ireland early on Monday for the first leg of a week long tour of Europe. He addressed the people of Ireland in an open air speech in the Irish Capital Dublin in which he wowed thousands in the crowd with his Gaelic version of “yes we can” his trademark slogan, whilst also reaffirming US-Irish ties by saying “whenever peace is challenged America will stand by you always in your pursuit of peace,”

He begun his speech by greeting the public with “Hello Dublin, Hello Ireland, My name is Barrack Obama of the Moneygall Obama’s and I’ve come home to find the apostrophe that we lost somewhere along the way” – hence the title.

Mr Obama earlier visited Moneygall, a small village in County Offaly where crowds lined the streets. Moneygall only has 300 residents and was once home to his great-great-great grandfather who was a shoemaker before he emigrated to the US In 1850. Mr Obama accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama was greeted with “Welcome home” as they went through the village and visited the site of Mr Obama’s ancestral home. The President also took time out to enjoy a traditional pint of Guinness in one of the villages 2 local drinking establishments.

The Presidential entourage then flew into London earlier than expected yesterday to avoid Air Force One being stranded in Ireland by the Icelandic Ash Cloud. They came into London Stanstead airport on a 3 day state visit and will spend time at Buckingham Palace as guests of the Queen. The President enjoyed a Galla dinner last night before holding talks with Prime Minister David Cameron at number 10 Downing Street today and addressing both houses of UK parliament at Westminster Hall. On Thursday Mr Obama will head to France for the G8 Summit and on Friday continue to Poland to discuss proposals for a US missile shield in Europe.