Obama invited to see troubled estates

AN invitation has been extended to US President Barack Obama to visit troubled estates in Limerick during the course of his May trip to Ireland.

The plight of people in the estates blighted by crime and vandalism is a natural topic of concern to the American leader.

The invitation to the Ballinacurra Weston area of Limerick has been sent to the president at the White House and I am now awaiting a response.

For years the promises of government-sponsored regeneration boards have been highlighted, but very little has been done on the ground to improve the lives of the people in the troubled estates of Limerick.

The American president has a natural affinity with all people who suffer from deprivation and a lack of opportunity, so therefore, it was natural that he should be invited to Limerick.

It is only a short distance to Limerick from the village of Moneygall along the N7, and this fact has been pointed out to the president in the letter of invitation I have written to him.

A visit by President Obama to the people of the areas in Limerick directly affected by crime and anti-social behaviour would spell out a powerful message of hope for families failed by their own politicians.

Sean O’Neill

Prospect

Limerick