Obama promises return trip — provided he is re-elected

Barack Obama promised to return to Ireland following up on last May’s successful trip — provided he wins re-election in November.

The US president was speaking after a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the White House in which the pair discussed the economy and jobs as well as the continuing conflict in Syria and ongoing tensions with Iran.

The Taoiseach endured a hectic round of engagements across the US capital on the last day of his American trip to mark the St Patrick’s Day festivities.

“It was a magical day,” the president told gathered media in the Oval Office yesterday when reflecting on his visit to Ireland.

“It was too short. So I’ve provided assurances that we will be returning. But the warmth and the goodwill that was expressed towards us I think was really representative of the deep bonds that exist between the US and Ireland, bonds that are almost unique among two countries around the world.”

Later, Mr Kenny confirmed that he had invited the president to return to Ireland.

“President Obama and Michelle and the children will be more than welcome to come to Ireland at any time. He’s got a little matter to attend to before then, I think,” the Taoiseach said, smiling.

Although there is as yet no clear frontrunner to stand against Mr Obama, the election will take place on Nov 6.

The Taoiseach also said he had briefed the US leader on the EU fiscal treaty.

“I gave the president my views. He is well aware that this is a matter for the Irish people. I explained to him the difference that this is not an EU treaty.”

After the Taoiseach left the White House, he joined speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner at Capitol Hill for a St Patrick’s Day luncheon which was attended by Mr Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson, his deputy Martin McGuinness, and Sinn Féin TD and president Gerry Adams.

The Taoiseach’s afternoon engagements included a meeting with congressman Peter King from Long Island, New York, with whom the Taoiseach discussed Northern Ireland, co-operation between the gardaí and the PSNI, and the threat from dissident republicans.