US ex-pats begin the celebrations

US Democrats living in Ireland who support President Barack Obama travelled from the four corners of Ireland for a celebration held in the president’s honour ahead of his visit today.

The event was organised by Democrats Abroad Ireland, the official overseas arm of the Democratic Party, and featured a special Q&A debate with international guest speakers — including authors, film-makers, political, cultural and social leaders.

It also held the Dublin premiere of a documentary film focusing on President Obama’s familial links to Ireland down through the years since the Famine, which has just been screened in Cannes.