US president to pay tribute to McAleese

IN one of his first acts on Irish soil next Monday, US president Barack Obama will pay tribute to President Mary McAleese for her “extraordinary legacy” to the Irish people.

White House officials confirmed yesterday that President McAleese will be singled out for her bridge-building work in Ireland and in Britain.

“The first event will be a meeting between the [US] president and the first lady with President McAleese and her husband as well, an important opportunity to discuss both bilateral issues with President McAleese and also to honour her extraordinary legacy of serving the people of Ireland and advancing peace in Northern Ireland as well,” a White House Official said.

Mr Obama and his wife Michelle will then meet with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny to discuss “a range of bilateral issues” before travelling to Moneygall.

The White House official described this leg of the trip as “a homecoming of sorts for President Obama”.

“He’s very excited to see this small town in Ireland from which he has roots, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing some of the people of Moneygall and making a stop there.”

However when asked about Mr Obama’s relations in Moneygall, the White House official, while confirming that the US president had traced his mother’s side back to the Offaly village, seemed slightly at sea.

“I believe that it is — we could confirm this — but I believe it’s a great-great-grandfather — three greats.

“It’s — I’ve seen reports about the bloodlines that extend across the town and people who may be related to the president.

“So it’s certainly quite likely that in a town of that size that is so deeply rooted in that part of Ireland that there are people who share those ties.”

Mr Obama will then return to Dublin to deliver remarks at a public event in College Green.

His official said he believed the Dublin remarks would be “very Irish-focused”.

The president and his wife will spend the night in Dublin before leaving the next morning for Britain.