THE FIRST fundraiser in Ireland for the US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will take place in Dublin during October.
More than 100 American citizens are expected to gather on October 12th in the Dalkey home of Moira Shipsey, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts. Ms Shipsey is a refugee lawyer who is married to senior counsel Bill Shipsey.
The event is backed by Democrats Abroad, members of which also held a support rally for Mr Obama in Dublin city centre during the primary season.
The fundraiser is open to US citizens and Ms Shipsey said yesterday that more than 70 had already indicated they would attend. Those attending are being asked for a minimum donation of €100. Under US electoral legislation the maximum allowable contribution per person is $2,300.
Ms Shipsey said that as an American living abroad, the moral standing of the US was lower than at any time in her memory.
"I believe that Barack Obama as president can restore America's respect in the world and make it a safer place for all."
The chairwoman of Democrats Abroad in Ireland Kate Fitzgerald said it was imperative to back Mr Obama for the sake of restoring a strong economy and to improve America's relationship.
Ms Shipsey said the money raised would help fund advertisements in swing states during the election campaign.
Meanwhile, Bill Clinton is to be guest of honour at a function being organised by an Irish university in the US. The former US president will attend the NUI Galway gala dinner at the Metropolitan Club, New York on November 24th.
The college's US board will also honour the achievements of Loretta Brennan Glucksman, chairwoman of the American Ireland Fund.
