Irish politicians welcome Obama victory in US

Irish politicians have been congratulating Democratic candidate Barack Obama following his victory over John McCain in the US presidential election.

Green Party leader John Gormley was one of the first to react to the news, describing the victory as historic and inspirational.

He said Obama now had an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate global leadership and he was confident the 47-year-old would deliver the change he has promised.

Up to 2,000 Irish politicians, celebrities and businessmen joined Americans living in Ireland to watch the historic moment unfold at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin this morning.

Speaking at the event, Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin said the Irish Government intended to push the issue of regularisation for illegal Irish immigrants in the US with Mr Obama.

Social Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin, meanwhile, said the Government wasn't too worried about Mr Obama's tax policies and the effects they could have on US companies operating in Ireland.