American Democrats from all over the country and high-level government officials packed out Central Hotel in Dublin yesterday (Sunday) afternoon in a multi-media celebration ahead of the arrival of ‘Airforce One’ this morning with President Barack Obama on board. The event was hosted by Democrats Abroad Ireland and attracted people from Donegal to Waterford, Kerry to Mayo.

Kerry-born Jimmy Deenihan, Minister of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, highlighted the benefits to Ireland of the visit and the historical connections between fellow Kerry-man, Daniel 'O'Connell, and Obama through 19th century American orator and abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, an inspiration to the young President, "This visit will bring tremendous worldwide promotion to Irish arts and culture, and no doubt help attract thousands more tourists to our shores this year. It is fascinating that the connections date back centuries reflecting the strong links we have with our cousins across the Atlantic," Deenihan said.

Sean Hillen, Donegal-based national communications director of DA Ireland, the official overseas arm of the Democratic Party, said, “Obviously the visit of President Obama reinforces the close bonds that already exists between our two countries, and brings much needed positive promotion here globally when confidence in Ireland is low, but it also boosts Democrats Abroad Ireland and its efforts to register as many Democrat voters as possible in Ireland before next year's big presidential election in the US. A second four-year term is very important for many of the key social and economic initiatives that have been launched already in the US to reach full fruition and the benefits felt. According to US Embassy statistics in Dublin there are around 100,000 registered US voters now living in Ireland and over the next eighteen months we will be doing our best to reach out to them to vote for the right candidate, the incumbent.” It is believed there are around 30 to 40 million Americans with Irish links, a considerable voting block.

The event featured a special debate with international guest speakers - including authors, film-makers, political, cultural and social leaders - plus the Dublin premiere of a documentary film focusing on President Obama's familial links to Ireland down through the years since the Famine, which has just been screened in Cannes. Director, Gabriel Murray, and producer, Don McGuiness, have created a 90-minute film covering the 8,000km journey from Moneygall, to Hawaii via Maryland, Indiana and Kansas by President Obama's relatives from famine-stricken Ireland. It is entitled simply, 'Barack Obama’s Irish Roots.'

Derry-man Don Mullan, author and documentary film-maker, whose many books include The Narrative of Frederick Douglass–An American Slave and his boyhood memoir The Boy Who Wanted to Fly, about a man who was an inspiration to a young Obama as he entered politics, is also a guest speaker. Douglass, American 19th century orator, writer and abolitionist, was founder of the Civil Rights Movement in America. He visited Ireland and was inspired by 'The Liberator,' Daniel O’Connell.

Dennis Desmond, chairperson of Democrats Abroad Ireland, provided details on President Obama’s visit here; its importance in terms of Irish-American relations; and his views on the President’s record so far during his first term in the Oval office. Indicating the significance of President Obama's arrival in Ireland, he said, "He passed financial industry reform; he saved the American auto industry; he passed health insurance reform against all odds; he brought an end to the war in Iraq; he has lifted America’s image abroad; and he is a son of Ireland. "Yes we can” was his campaign slogan and yes he has. Barack Obama is a President Democrats are proud of and we are delighted to show off his Irish roots."