The Government remains hopeful that US president Barack Obama will pay an “extraordinarily iconic” visit to Co Wexford to mark the 50th anniversary of John F Kennedy’s trip to the area, Minister of State Brian Hayes said.
Speaking at the launch yesterday of the 50th anniversary commemoration programme, which is set to be one of the biggest events of this year’s Gathering, Mr Hayes said the question of a visit by Mr Obama is a matter for the US authorities.
He said the Government has commissioned a bronze bust of the late senator Edward Kennedy to coincide with the opening later this year of a new visitor centre at the Kennedy Homestead at Dunganstown, outside New Ross. Taoiseach Enda Kenny will officially open it in May.
Among those due to attend the New Ross celebrations are former US ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy-Smith and the late president’s daughter Caroline Kennedy.