Obama piles on the praise as Endamania takes hold

Ireland punches above its weight internationally, says US president after talks on the economy

WHEN ENDA Kenny met Barack Obama in the Oval Office for the second time in as many years yesterday, the US president showered Ireland and its leader with praise.

The Taoiseach “has done extraordinary work during a very difficult time”, Mr Obama said.

“I expressed to the Taoiseach my confidence in his Government’s ability to get Ireland moving again . . . Ireland punches above its weight internationally.”

Mr Obama said he had had a “terrific discussion” with Mr Kenny. His exaltation of Ireland was on three levels: the Government’s work; memories of the “magical day” in Ireland last May and a broader recognition of Ireland’s contribution to America and the world.

The president spoke of the “extraordinary hospitality” that the people of Ireland “showed Michelle and I”. He promised to return. But as the Taoiseach noted, “Obviously [Mr Obama] has got a little matter to attend to here in America between this and that” – his re-election.

The welcome extended to the Obamas in Ireland was “representative of the deep bonds that exist between the US and Ireland”, the president said. “Bonds that are almost unique among two countries around the world. And the impact that Irish culture has had on the US is almost unparalleled.”

Speaking later at the Friends of Ireland luncheon hosted by Speaker of the House John Boehner on Capitol Hill, Mr Obama continued his paean to Ireland: “Never has a nation so small had such an enormous impact on another,” he said.

“Never has anyone taught us more about the value of faith and friendship; about the capacity of the human spirit; about the simple truth that it’s harder to disagree when we recognise ourselves in each other – which is easier to do when we’re all wearing green.”

In the Oval Office, Obama and Kenny sat in near identical blue suits with green ties and breast pockets brimming with shamrock. At the Capitol Hill luncheon, the president would joke that “my eighth cousin Henry has my ears”, in reference to his distant cousin from Moneygall, Henry Healy.

But in the inner sanctum of US power, the leaders spoke with a certain gravitas of friendship and the need to improve their economies.

The president said intriguingly that “we are continuing to identify and describe additional areas where we can strengthen those strong economic bonds” (between the US and Ireland).

Mr Kenny discussed the upcoming referendum on the EU’s fiscal compact with Mr Obama, saying, “We expect the Irish people, in their pragmatism and understanding of what the future holds, to vote strongly in favour of the treaty”.

Mr Kenny gave the impression of speaking for Europe as well as for Ireland; a change in a town where Europe usually means the big three; Britain, France and Germany.

“We consulted on the broader issue of how Europe can begin to grow again,” Mr Obama said at the conclusion of their Oval Office meeting. Mr Kenny repeatedly said he “reported to the president” about discussions at EU Council meetings, including regarding Syria.

Mr Obama touched on a US phenomenon that might be called Endamania. “The expressions of affection that I experienced when I was in Ireland, I’m sure you are experiencing in return while you are here,” he said, “because the American people have just an extraordinary affinity and fondness for the Irish people.”

Mr Kenny spoke of “the extraordinary outpouring of enthusiasm and exuberance in the streets of Chicago” when he was there on St Patrick’s Day. At the American Ireland Fund dinner on Monday night, one had to hope the Taoiseach’s head would not swell from so much praise.

“What a great face he puts on Ireland for all of us in America,” said Congressman Richard Neal. “Enda Kenny has energy. He also has intellect and he has great goodwill. He is not a man for turning,” said Loretta Brennan Glucksman, chair of the worldwide Ireland Funds.

Republican representative Paul Ryan, whose attempts to slash welfare and healthcare spending in the US have made him anathema to Democrats, praised Mr Kenny’s “tough decisions” on the budget.

“I love him!” Sean Tuohey, the 36-year-old employee of the Washington police department who sat next to me at the AIF dinner blurted out. Unlike US politicians, Tuohey said, the Taoiseach “is not doing it to be a millionaire. He actually cares about his country. There’s something serious about him.”

Vice-president Joe Biden perhaps found the root of Endamania, in his speech at the breakfast he hosted for Mr Kenny and his wife Fionnuala yesterday morning.

“The thing I love about you, old buddy, is you’re always optimistic,” Mr Biden said.

As Kieran McGloughlin, president of the American Ireland Fund, observed at the AIF gala, “Enda Kenny speaks American”. Enda and Fionnuala were serenaded with harp music at the vice-president’s residence, by pipers on the Capitol steps, and by an Irish tenor singing When Irish Eyes Are Smiling and Danny Boy over lunch.

There was to be more music and celebration last night, when Mr Kenny awarded Certificates of Irish Heritage to five Irish-Americans, including the New York Times journalist Maureen Dowd and the novelist Alice McDermott. Henry Healy and Moneygall publican Ollie Hayes were to be special guests at the White House reception, along with Nettie Washington Douglass, the great great granddaughter of Frederick Douglass.

Along with the traditional crystal bowl filled with shamrock, the Taoiseach was to give President Obama his very own Certificate of Irish Heritage.