Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 132: To ask the Taoiseach if he attempted to contact Senator Barrack Obama to congratulate him on his election on 4 or 5 November 2008; if Senator Obama took the call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40497/08]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 133: To ask the Taoiseach if he has spoken to Senator Barrack Obama since his election victory on 4 November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40498/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.

On 5 November I sent a message of congratulations to President-elect Barrack Obama, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland.

I subsequently wrote to the President-elect offering him our congratulations on his historic election victory. I also extended my best wishes to Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

I anticipate speaking with the President-elect in the near future and I look forward to working with him to further build and strengthen relations between Ireland and the United States.