Taoiseach Enda Kenny today told Irish Olympic athletes that they carry the dreams of a nation during a visit to the Irish camp in Twickenham.
"In many ways, sport is like politics, you need to believe in yourself ," said the Taoiseach, who spent over an hour chatting with the Olympic team.
"There are hundred of thousands of people, millions even, who would love to have the talent that they do," Mr Kenny told reporters.
"This for them is the culmination of a dream," said Mr Kenny, who was greeted at St Mary's College by the Irish team's chef de mission, Olympic silver medallist Sonia O'Sullivan.
US Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney was forced to walk to the Irish embassy for a meeting with Mr Kenny in London this afternoon. Mr Romney took to the streets by foot after getting stuck in traffic, just hours beforethe opening ceremony for the Olympic Games.
The US politician caused deep annoyance amongst his British hosts by raising concerns about the preparations for the Games.
However, Mr Kenny had nothing but praise, saying that the Olympic 2012 organisers had done "an outstanding job".
Mr Kenny will travel to the Olympic Park for the Opening ceremony.
Team Ireland has been based at St Mary’s College, Twickenham, for several days as the build-up to the Games intensifies.
Among the first competitors in action are Tour de France cyclists Nicholas Roche and Dan Martin in tomorrow’s road race.
The official launch of the Games takes place tonight, with the cauldron being set alight at Olympic Park during the opening ceremony. "Are we ready? Are we ready? Yes, we are," Mayor of London Boris Johnson goaded 60,000 cheering people at a concert in the city's Hyde Park on the eve of the Games.
