‘Clinton rang up to ask for help’

YOU could say it was a week to remember for Jim Lowe.

He went to the United States to see his daughter get married when Bill Clinton rang him up to ask his help.

Mr Lowe from Limerick got the surprise of his life when he picked up the phone when staying with his daughter in Washington DC last Monday.

The former US President was on the other end of the line canvassing votes for Democratic candidate John Kerry.

“He asked me to give my support to the Democratic candidate John Kerry. He talked about his qualities and the experience he would bring to the White House if elected president.

“However, I had to tell him I didn’t have a vote and that I was over for my daughter’s wedding.

“When I told him I was from Limerick he was delighted and said he still remembers the great welcome he got in Limerick during his first presidential visit,” said Jim.

Jim, a former captain of Kilkee Golf Club and a well-known member of the Young Munster rugby club, returned from the US yesterday.

“I was over for my daughter Therese’s wedding,” said Jim, who lives in Meadowvale, Raheen.

He was staying in her apartment when he took a call from the former president.

“The phone rang out at around 9.30 on Monday morning. I picked it up and found myself talking with Bill Clinton. Apparently canvassing on the phone is a huge thing in the US.”

It may well be, but

Clinton’s efforts didn’t help after George W Bush secured another term in the White House.