BARACK OBAMA’S inauguration is “a moment of history full of possibilities” for the relationship between the West and the developing world, according to former taoiseach and EU ambassador to Washington, John Bruton.
Mr Bruton said Mr Obama’s background and identity allowed the US and its European allies to strengthen their ties and reshape their relationship with other countries, notably in Africa and the Middle East. “It’s vital that we make use of this to the fullest possible extent with the maximum speed,” he said.
A BBC World Service poll conducted in 17 countries found widespread optimism that Mr Obama’s presidency will lead to improved relations between the US and the rest of the world. On average 67 per cent thought this, while 19 per cent said relations would stay the same. Six months ago, 47 per cent believed an Obama presidency would improve relations.
Mr Bruton expressed confidence that the US under Mr Obama would adopt an approach of “genuine multilateralism rather than a succession of problem-by-problem coalitions of the willing”.
He identified the global economic crisis, climate change, nuclear proliferation and “an arc of problems in the Middle East” among the issues most urgently requiring a fresh approach.
Mr Bruton attended yesterday’s swearing-in ceremony on Capitol Hill, along with senior diplomats including Ireland’s ambassador to Washington, Michael Collins. US authorities had asked foreign embassies to discourage heads of state, prime ministers and government ministers from coming to the inauguration because of the strain on security resources.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams was at the inauguration as a guest of congressman Richard Neal, chairman of the Congressional Friends of Ireland. “It’s a watershed moment and it must have been hugely emotional for African-Americans, especially the veterans of the civil rights days,” Mr Adams said.
“But then because his focus and his rhetoric and his commitments are so uplifting and because in our times he gets people to rise above themselves, I think there’s a second dimension to it which is his own policy and personality coming through. And I think Irish people will generally be well pleased with all of that.” Mr Adams expressed confidence that the US would continue to support the political process in the North.