A VERY SPECIAL edition of Metro Éireann on 15 May will be entirely dedicated to the visit to Ireland of US President Barack Obama, we can reveal. And Metro Éireann is inviting readers who have a message for President Obama to send us messages and letters before 29 April for potential publication in our commemorative edition ahead of the visit.
Some 10,000 copies of the paper will be distributed across the country, including to Moneygall, Co Offaly – where President Obama’s great-great-great grandfather hails from – while the US Embassy in Dublin and the White House in Washington DC will also be receiving the special Metro Éireann ‘Obama’ edition.
“President Obama’s story shows that with absolute determination and courage, everyone can make a difference in the world,” commented Metro Éireann editor Chinedu Onyejelem, on the thinking behind the commemorative edition.
“He is an inspiration to millions of people, black, white and of all ethnicities across the world.”
At press time, President Obama was expected to visit Ireland on 22 and 23 May. Making the announcement of his visit on St Patrick’s Day, the US President said: “There is just an incredible bond between our two countries. And that’s one that we want to reaffirm here today.”
He continued: “Overall, the state of the relationship of our two countries is extraordinarily strong. This is a wonderful tradition… St Patrick’s Day, for me to be able to once again reaffirm the great warmth and affection that have towards the people in Ireland.”
President Obama – the son of a Kenyan father and American mother – became America’s first African-American president when he assumed office in January 2009.
