Yes we can - Inspirational message

Fifty years after Ireland’s love affair with US president John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the country is now in thrall to yet another Irish-American president, Barack Obama, and today’s first family of the US — wife Michelle and their daughters, 14-year-old Malia and 12-year-old Sasha.

From Belfast to Dublin and beyond, the Obamas have won the hearts and minds of the Irish people, north and south of the border. From the 6th century monastic site of Glendalough to Finnegan’s Pub in Dalkey, their visit has been warmly appreciated by the island.

It is remarkable that, in times of great cynicism, young people hung on their every word. Theirs was a simple but inspiring message — Irish people have the country’s future in their own hands and, as individuals, everybody has to take responsibility. The Obama visit bodes well for future relations between our countries.