Thousands expected to attend free public event

MARY FITZGERALD

COLLEGE GREEN ADDRESS: THOUSANDS ARE expected to gather on College Green this evening to hear US president Barack Obama give the only public address of his visit to Ireland.

Mr Obama, who will be accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, will take the stage in front of the portico of the Bank of Ireland following introductory remarks by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The couple’s children, Malia and Sasha, are not travelling to Ireland as they are in school.

Mr Obama’s speech is expected to dwell largely on the ties that bind Ireland and the US.

“It’s a chance to talk about the enormous affinity that Americans have for Ireland, rooted in part in the huge population of Irish-Americans . . . It is a speech about the ties between our peoples, rather than a statement on policy,” said Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser for strategic communications and a speechwriter for the president.

Westlife, Jedward and Imelda May, along with actors Brendan Gleeson, Stephen Rea, Daniel Day-Lewis, Saoirse Ronan and Gabriel Byrne, will help warm up the crowd before Mr Obama arrives.

Sporting stars Pádraig Harrington, Robbie Keane and Brian O’Driscoll are expected to make appearances, as are Sharon Shannon, 

Mundy, the Coronas, the National Chamber Choir, the Sawdoctors, soprano Celine Byrne and songwriter Ryan Sheridan.

Music promoters MCD, who are involved in planning the event, have quashed speculation that U2, who are currently on tour in the US, may perform. “Whilst the band would have loved to participate, they are unable to do so, due to prior commitments in the US,” a spokesman said.

The event, which the Government has billed a “public celebration”, has been planned to last 90 minutes, but may be shortened on the day. Croke Park was rejected as a venue by the White House because it did not “look Irish” enough to use as a backdrop.

The event is open to the public and is free. Tickets will not be required. People have been advised to arrive early – security gates open at 2pm, three hours before the programme starts.

The public are advised they should enter the security gates at the intersection of Parliament Street and Dame Street in front of Dublin Castle. They will have to arrive from the west or north as other access routes will be blocked. Adjoining streets will be blocked and parking severely restricted. Banners, umbrellas, bags, food and beverages will not be allowed, though cameras and mobile phones will be.

Credit/Source: irishtimes.com | Villy of westlife.gr