Taoiseach invites president to Ireland and Offaly

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has invited President Barack Obama to visit Ireland.

At a dinner in the White House last night he said he hoped to afford Mr Obama the same welcome past presidents were given when they crossed the Atlantic.

“May I say how much we hope to see you, the First Lady [Michelle] and your family, in Ireland soon. I am sure you will have heard of the great welcome accorded to your predecessors.