Obama visit 'a vote of confidence'

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has described the planned visit to Ireland by the US President as a "vote of confidence".

Barack Obama made the announcement during the traditional St Patrick's Day ceremony with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the White House yesterday.

He is expected to visit on the May 22 at the beginning of a European trip that will also see him visit Britain and France.

His ancestral home of Monegall in Co Offaly, along with trips to Kilkenny and Mayo, and a courtesy call to President McAlesse are all expected to be covered during the two-day trip.