Barack Obama cuts short Ireland visit after concerns over volcanic ash cloud

[alp227]

Source: The Guardian

Barack Obama has been forced to leave Ireland early due to fears Airforce One could be grounded by a new volcanic ash cloud blowing down from Iceland.

The US president flew to London on Monday evening just hours after he received a rapturous reception in central Dublin from more than 25,000 people during a speech in which he pledged that America would continue to stand by peace-makers in Northern Ireland.

A White House spokesman confirmed that concerns over the ash cloud from the Grimsvötn volcano forced the presidential entourage to make a swifter than expected exit from the Republic.

He had been expected to stop off Tuesday morning at Glasnevin cemetery en route to the airport to pay homage at the crypt of Daniel O'Connell, in an acknowledgement of the 19th century Irish nationalist leader's role in opposing the slave trade.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/23/barack-obama-ireland-visit-volcano

[Drale]

1. Ok I don't know anything about planes but

since he's the president couldn't they just go like up and over, or maybe fly the other way. It might take longer, but isn't it important for the President to keep on the set schedule when on visits to other countries?

[Lint Head]

2. Stay safe Barack!

[aquart]

3. Good!

I did not want to have to worry about that.

[MissDeeds]

4. Oh yeah

I just wish he had cut the trip short out of concern and respect for the tornado victims.

[mwooldri]

7. I don't think this is the right time for Obama to go to Joplin anyway.

Every US President has a "damned if he does, damned if he doesn't" reaction to everything he does.

Remember Katrina: Bush playing his guitar, and afterwards looking over New Orleans by air. We criticized him for not getting down there.

Recently we had a hurricane rip through Alabama, leaving Tuscaloosa in just a bad a mess as Joplin finds itself in now. Obama visited Tuscaloosa and there were enough people grumbling that he shouldn't have been there because he's getting in the way of rescue and recovery.

Back in 2007 when a tornado destroyed Greensburg, GWB did visit - 5 days later.

My feeling is that Obama will get to Joplin but not right away so that some clear up can be done. Thankfully Obama does not have Michael D. Brown heading up FEMA. I'm hoping the Feds step in and help where they can, even if there's another Femaville temporarily whilst Joplin rebuilds.

[Botany]

5. He should stick around for a fornight in Ireland and ....

..... have some fun on account of "all that volcanic ash." After all look at his to do list:

1) Killed bin Laden
b) Stopped another great depression
iii) Helped to save the U.S. auto industry.
4) Has given strokes and heart attacks to racist dead enders after he released his birth certificate.


President W took something 25% of his time in office on vacation, @ his cattle ranch in Texas (:rofl: fucking media selling America
that load of crap), @ Camp David, taking bike rides, drinking, and letting Dick, Rummy, Rice, Rove, and Gonzo run things.

Ireland is beautiful this time of year ...... I saw it in the winter .... kinda cold and wet but the beer was good and the people were
friendly ..... . especially this one lass .... :wow: blogging with 5 hours sleep is fun



When Obama's eyes are laughing .....

[nyy1998]

8. lmao 4) Has given strokes and heart attacks to racist dead enders after he released his birth certif

Nicely done with numbering system as well!

[titaniumsalute]

6. a "rapturous reception..."

A little play on words??