Ireland's call: Come home Barack

A Moneygall publican flies the flag in advance of Mr Obama's election victory

US President-elect Barack Obama has been invited to his Irish ancestral home by Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Mr Cowen made the invite as he formally welcomed the historic election victory.

Records show Barack Obama's maternal ancestors lived in the Moneygall area of County Offaly more than 150 years ago.

In a statement, Mr Cowen said he was looking forward to "building on the existing deep and cherished ties between our two countries."

Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness sent their congratulations.

"I look forward to working with his administration and to continuing the mutually beneficial relationship that Northern Ireland has developed with the United States over the years," Mr Robinson said.

"I offer him our sincerest congratulations and best wishes as he sets about the business of government," Mr McGuinness added.

Meanwhile, the US Consul in Belfast, Susan Elliott, said it was likely there would be new ambassadors in London and Dublin.

When asked if talk-show host Oprah Winfrey could find her way to the post in London, Ms Elliott said it could not be ruled out.

"You could see Oprah Winfrey, there has been a lot of speculation about Caroline Kennedy going there. It's an open ball game who will be the new ambassadors," she said.

The Democratic senator will become the first black president of the United States when he takes office in January.

"It's been a long time coming, but tonight... change has come to America," the president-elect told a jubilant crowd at a victory rally in Chicago.

His rival John McCain accepted defeat, saying "I deeply admire and commend" Mr Obama. He called on his supporters to lend the next president their goodwill.