Obama calls for reforms to help Irish American families

The US president Barack Obama has called for changes to immigration law to help Irish American families.

Addressing 400 VIP guests at a special reception in the White House last night, President Obama said the success of the Irish in America serves as a reminder that the US needs to build an immigration system that works.

He made the remarks as he was being presented with a crystal bowl of shamrock by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The lavish white house reception to mark St Patricks day was attended by 400 VIP guests, all of them either Irish or with Irish connections.

President Obama paid tribute to the contribution Ireland had made to American life and called for immigration reforms to help Irish families.