By Dermot Keys
dermot@letterkennypost.com

Donegal North East Deputy Joe McHugh will form part of a Fine Gael delegation that will travel to the American Democratic party convention in Denver to initiate contact with members of Barack Obama’s camp.
The visiting group will also be advancing the cause of the undocumented Irish in the United States. Speaking to the Letterkenny Post, Deputy McHugh said that one of their priorities will be to open dialogue and maintain ongoing interaction with Obama’s newly appointed liaison with the Irish American community, Carol Wheeler.
“We need ongoing momentum and we have to court ongoing dialogue,” Deputy McHugh said.
“That is where I think we have a great opportunity when we talk to Carol Wheeler. She’s only recently been appointed and I think it’s an indication that Barack Obama is taking the Irish issue seriously.”
The Donegal TD said that Obama’s relative silence in relation to the Irish vote may be part of a tactical decision by his campaign team. The Democratic presidential candidate has a strong Irish heritage but has not actively courted the Irish vote.
“The recent European tour would have been a perfect opportunity to visit and touch base. I think they might be holding back on the Irish card.”
He pointed to the close nature of the presidential contest and said that middle America would play a deciding role in the outcome, pointing to the influence this will give Irish American voters. He added that the working class North American vote would contain a lot of first, second and third generation Irish.
This influence will be vital in bringing attention to the plight of the undocumented Irish in the US.
Deputy McHugh said the talks should not be restricted to getting the undocumented Irish recognised in America, and said some form of bilateral system addressing the needs of Americans in Ireland could help bring about some form of resolution.
The delegation will take part in an intensive programme of workshops and meet with various people from Senator Obama’s campaign. They will also have the opportunity to meet with the Senator in person. Other members of the delegation include Fine Gael Leader, Deputy Enda Kenny and Laois/Offaly Deputy Olwyn Enright, who is married to Deputy McHugh.