O’bama saves White House shamrock

“CHANGE we can believe in” was the campaign slogan, and US president Barack Obama has proven itagain by saving the humble shamrock from the fiery furnace.

Gifts of food and plants presented to the occupants of the White House have had to be destroyed under strict security protocols, but this year President Obama has signalled the shamrock given to him by Taoiseach Brian Cowen on Wednesday will not be going the same way.

In a U-turn that will be welcomed all the way to Moneygall in Co Offaly, from where his great- great-great-great-great grandfather hailed, the president has said the shamrock will actually be planted in the children’s garden patch installed last year by first lady Michelle Obama.