Obama says US and Ireland have 'blood link'
By JULIE PACE, Associated Press
May 23, 2011 6:16 AM CDT
From left, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are greeted by the President of Ireland Mary McAleese and her husband Martin McAleese at the Presidential Residence in Dublin, Ireland, Monday, May 23, 2011. President Barack Obama opens a six-day European tour with a quick dash through...   (Associated Press)

President Barack Obama says the U.S. and Ireland share a "blood link" that goes beyond strategic interests or foreign policy because of the ties of millions of Irish Americans in the United States.

Obama commented Monday alongside Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, shortly after arriving in Dublin on the first stop of a six-day Europe tour.

Kenny welcomed Obama and said the Irish people had been awaiting his visit.

Obama didn't mention it in brief comments with Kenny, but he has his own Irish ties and is to explore them later Monday with a visit to the tiny hamlet of Moneygall _ the home of Obama's maternal great-great-great grandfather.

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