Obama victory is welcomed

THE victory of Barack Obama on Tuesday night was welcomed in the Banner County on Wednesday.

 

The county’s mayor, Ennis man Pat Daly, said it was the right result for Ireland. “I think it is because he promised to come back to Ireland again during his next term and hopefully he’ll use Shannon Airport and come to Clare.”

He felt a Romney victory may have been bad for this country and noted that Obama is close to the Clintons, who have very strong ties to Ireland.

“If Romney had won, it might have posed threats to the advantage given by our corporate tax, there was a possibility of that.

“There are so many Irish people out there, I know several people who canvassed for him in New York. I think it’s a good thing for Ireland, particularly with the connection with the Clinton family because they have pushed for Ireland for many years.”

Fine Gael TD Pat Breen is one of a small band of Clare people to have met President Obama and he also welcomed Tuesday night’s outcome. “At a critical time in the global economy, I welcome the certainty of the result, with the president winning both the electoral and popular vote. This conclusive victory gives President Obama a strong mandate to address the immense challenges he faces at home and abroad.

“President Obama has shown himself to be a friend of Ireland, stating during his visit here last year that this country inspires the biggest things and that Ireland punches above its weight. We have significant economic ties with the United States with American Foreign Direct Investment providing 100,000 valuable jobs in this country. The spin-off from this investment is hugely important for the Irish economy in terms of jobs and tax revenue.”

He said the Government would look to deepen Ireland’s ties with the US. “The Irish Government will work closely with the new Congress across a wide range of issues, including the problem of undocumented Irish in the United States.

“There are strong economic and cultural links between the United States and the Mid-West Region. Shannon Airport serves as a gateway between our countries.

“The decision by US Airways and United Airlines to add routes from Philadelphia and Chicago to Shannon will enhance tourism and business ahead of The Gathering next year.”