Obama victory hailed across political spectrum

BARACK OBAMA’S sweeping and historic victory was hailed across the Irish political spectrum yesterday.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen led tributes to the US president-elect, hailing his emphatic win as a watershed moment for America as he invited Mr Obama to visit the home of his forebears in Moneygall, Offaly.

The election of the first African-American president had created a “a palpable sense of history” said Mr Cowen. “We are all reminded of those who struggled for civil rights in America for so many years, as well as all of those who work for justice and peace around the world today,” he said.