Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I join other Members is extending my congratulations and best wishes to US President-elect, Barack Obama, and vice-President-elect, Joe Biden, on their wonderful success. I had the pleasure to hear Senator Obama's speech this morning and also the wonderful speech delivered by Senator McCain. America was blessed to have two great candidates contesting the election to this most important position. Senator McCain's speech was electrifying and he was generous in what he said. I welcome the fact that a new dawn has broken.

I commend the Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, on sending an invitation to the President-elect to visit Ireland as soon as his schedule permits him to do so. The relationship between America and Ireland is very important. Martin Luther King's famous speech has become a reality. The young people in the Gallery can be inspired by what has happened in America. It is great that someone from a mixed background, with a Kenyan father and an American mother, will become President of the US. When Senator Obama was born, African-Americans could not vote in their own country. All the nations of Africa can now unite in celebration. I understand that Kenya has designated tomorrow as a day of celebration.