Obama: 'America will be the wind at Ireland's back'

President Barack Obama wowed the Belfast audience of hundreds of schoolchildren, political and civic leaders with jokes and encouragement to build upon the North's peace process.

Surrounded by teenagers from both Catholic and Protestant schools, the president's message was one of motivation to secure reconciliation within Northern Ireland.

In front of First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, the president spoke of the need for young people to copper-fasten progress already achieved by their politicians.

The Good Friday Agreement, now 15 years old he said, still requires youthful input to make it a success.

"You are the first generation in this land to inherit more than just the hardened attitudes and the bitter prejudices of the past" he told them.

"You're an inheritor of a just and hard-earned peace."

President Obama spoke of the unique example that Belfast has set for those in other war zones around the world.

As assembled Stormont Parliament spin doctors spoke of groups from the Middle East "beating a path to our door for inspiration", Obama backed Northern Ireland as a peacemaking prototype for other conflict environments.

"They're studying what you're doing. And they're wondering, perhaps if Northern Ireland can achieve peace, we can, too. You're their blueprint to follow."

And he implored the gathered youth, who had excitedly started a 'Mexican wave' before his arrival, that "we need you to get this right, and what's more, you set an example for those who seek a peace of their own."

Celebrating the turnaround in how the North's capital is now globally celebrated, President Obama praised the city for its new reputation for being "chic."

"People hoped hoped for a day when the world would think something different when they heard the word 'Belfast.' Because of their effort, because of their courage that day has come" he said.

Obama reminded the audience of the intimate links between Ireland and the US pointing out the first US consulate, under George Washington was opened in Belfast in 1796.

Many familiar Irish names "like Wilson and Kelly, Campbell and O'Neill" are etched on schools, courthouses and war memorials across America, he told the crowd.

And to laughter, Barack Obama revealed that Belfast golf champion Rory McIlroy had offered his assistance to "get my swing sorted" when they met last year.

He revealed that "when I was in Chicago campaigning, people would say: 'oh, there's an O'Bama running in the south side from the homeland.'' In Illinois' famous Windy City "it pays to be Irish" he joked.

Pressure for the North's political leaders to implement the delayed 'Shared Future' policy document and 'United Communities' plan was given a final push from the Oval Office.

Echoing Bill Clinton's words on the same stage in 1998, Obama pledged continuing American political and financial support.

As he departed for the G8 Summit in the rural west of Northern Ireland, President Obama reinforced the promise of American partnership for Irish peace and prosperity.

"I promise you the United States of America will support you every step of the way. We will always be a wind at your back."

Leaving the crowd with an Irish version of the famous Obama creed of "Yes We Can" he promised that "this little island inspires the biggest of things... its best days are yet ahead."