Higgins offers his congratulations

Irish President Michael D Higgins has told his newly re-elected US counterpart Barack Obama he hopes bilateral relations between the countries will prosper during his second term in office.

Thu, 08 Nov, 2012 - 00:00

Sarah Stack

In a letter of congratulations to the US president, Mr Higgins assured Obama he has the continued goodwill and best wishes of the people of Ireland.

Obama visited Dublin and his ancestral home in Moneygall last year.

“The international community faces many daunting challenges and we look forward to your continued leadership and constructive engagement in the periodahead,” wrote Mr Higgins.

“The very close and warm relationship between Ireland and the United States has, with your help and encouragement, prospered during your tenure.

“I am confident that, under your leadership, our bilateral relations will be further advanced during the next four years. My wife Sabina and I send our warmest personal wishes to you and your family as you begin your second term.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he looks forward to working closely with President Obama, as Ireland assumes the presidency of the EU on Jan 1, 2013.

Mr Kenny said he sees Ireland’s EU presidency as an opportunity to seek to strengthen ties between Europe and the US.

“Our countries enjoy an especially warm and friendly relationship. This has been strongly reflected during President Obama’s first term of office, never more so than during his wonderful visit to Ireland last year,” Mr Kenny said.

“I have already made clear that I see Ireland’s EU presidency as an opportunity to seek to strengthen the ties between Europe and the United States, including in the area of international trade,” he said.

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Barack Obama, to his wife Michelle, and to their two daughters.”

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