Successful US businesses to be showcased at Obama event

GOOGLE, Facebook, Microsoft, Intel and Citibank are some of the US firms being courted for a showcase to mark the visit of US President Barack Obama next month.

The Government hopes to arrange a one-day conference in Dublin involving leading US companies in Ireland and discussions on further investment in Ireland to coincide with Mr Obama’s visit. It is hoped Mr Obama will make a brief appearance.

Behind the scenes negotiations are ongoing over Mr Obama’s itinerary and visit, which is being planned for either Sunday, May 22 or Monday, May 23. The only definite timeframe planned is a state visit by Mr Obama to Britain which begins in London at 12pm on May 24.

Plans are also being put in place for the first lady, Michelle Obama, who is expected to have her own programme here during the visit, possibly visiting projects in areas of personal interest like education or institutions with academic links to the US.

Doubts are emerging though over the proposed appearance of Mr Obama in Croke Park as a centrepiece event during the visit, particularly if it goes ahead on the Monday.

“Nothing is set in stone yet,” said a government source.

“We don’t even have confirmation of an overnight for him. With Libya, there’s a lot to consider for them. But as time goes on, there’s less time to arrange something like Croke Park.”

It is proposed the Dublin business conference would have a strong focus on trade promotion, investment and work with multinationals here and be coordinated through the American Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, reports that Mr Obama may visit Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin on his way into the capital were not confirmed yesterday.

It is certain though his Dublin trip will involve visiting President Mary McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin, Taoiseach Enda Kenny at Farmleigh and the US Ambassador at his residence in Phoenix Park, before Mr Obama travels onto to his ancestral home village of Moneygall, Co Offaly.