Student set to see court of Obama

The students will experience life in the political hub of Washington DC

A County Antrim man is heading for the hub of American politics next week.

Alan Clarke, from Ballymena, is among a group of 32 students from across Ireland who will be immersing themselves in the atmosphere of the new Obama administration as they begin internships in the US Capitol.

Alan, who was picked as part of the Washington Ireland Program (WIP), said that President Obama's message of hope has a particular resonance here as Northern Ireland continues to move on from its troubled past.

"Obama has a great ability to empower those around him and I feel that people across the divide here can be encouraged to play their part at a grass roots level, moving forward together," he said.

WIP is a US-Ireland charity, which aims to select promising individuals, from across the island, with the intention of them ultimately contributing to their community at home.

Alan Clarke is heading off to Washington DC

As part of the program, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Alan interviewed former First Minister Ian Paisley at Stormont.

Alan is involved in voluntary cross-community work in Northern Ireland and said he hoped being part of a diverse group would boost his community work.

"We come from very different backgrounds," he said.

"This diversity will allow us to learn from each other, and gain an insight into our places in the shared future of Northern Ireland."

Alan is studying dentistry at Queen's University and will be an intern in the office of Republican Congressman Tim Murphy who has strong healthcare links.

The group will have chances to become involved in helping charitable organisations in Washington, working with the homeless, HIV/AIDS victims and marginalised families.

The program also involves carrying out a community service project with Habitat for Humanity - building houses for impoverished people and further community work upon returning home.