If President Barack Obama follows the instructions of Ireland Taoiseach Enda Kenny, he’ll have to pack an extra large bag for his next visit to Europe. During Obama and Kenny’s meeting in Ireland, the Irish politician told the president to “bring his golf clubs” on his future trip.
According to the Journal, Kenny and Obama covered a lot of ground during their meet-up in Dublin. They talked about Ireland’s management of banks, unemployment, the budget deficit, and the conditions of the EU/IMF bailout. The Taoiseach also expressed gratitude for the America’s support in handling these issues. Aside from the political discussions, the two leaders chatted about sports and how golf could unite them as political figures.
“Like all politicians, we have some unfinished business: and that is that the next time he comes back, he’s going to bring his golf clubs,” Kenny said.
Obama reported feeling “extraordinarily grateful” for the hospitality, adding that the “friendship and bond between U.S. and Ireland could not be stronger.” The president expressed a desire to “continue the bonds of trade and commerce” and claimed the U.S. was “rooting for Ireland’s success.”
The president also demonstrated admiration for the approach and “progress” of Northern Ireland, as “[i]t speaks to possibilities of peace and people in long standing struggles being able to reimagine their relationships. To see Her Majesty the Queen of England come here and to see the mutual warmth and feeling that took place as a consequence of that visit and to know that the former Taoiseach FitzGerald was able to witness the queen coming here … that sends a signal around the world.”
Obama’s love for golf began long before he mingled with Kenny. In March, ABC News reported that Obama made his epic return to the golf course to welcome warmer weather. The president departed the White House in the middle of the month for a short stint in Joint Andrews Base in Camp Springs, Md.
“[I]t’s not the best weather for golf, but Obama loves to spend his Saturdays on the greens. Last fall, Obama went golfing darn near every weekend,” wrote Tahman Bradley.