Cowen sends congratulations to president-elect Obama

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has sent his congratulations to Barack Obama following the Illinois Senator's victory in the US presidential election.

Mr Cowen says he is looking forward to working with Mr Obama on issues of mutual interest to Ireland and to building on the existing deep and cherished ties between the two countries.

Meanwhile, other world leaders have also been sending their best wishes to the president-elect.

European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso has called for a "renewed commitment" between Europe and America, while British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has described Obama's campaign as inspirational and energising.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says the election of America's first black president heralds a new era for the United States and the world.