The Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen T.D., spoke this evening by telephone with President-Elect Barack Obama.

The Taoiseach conveyed his congratulations to the President-Elect on his election.

He stressed the importance the Government attaches to Ireland's relationship with the United States and expressed his desire that the relationship would continue to flourish in the coming years.

He told the President of his personal conviction that it was now a mature, two-way relationship and should be developed on that basis.

He briefed the President-Elect on today's positive developments in Northern Ireland.

He also invited the President-Elect to visit Ireland during his term of office.

Ends.