US President Barack Obama has opened his 2012 re-election campaign with a website announcement and emails and text messages to supporters.
'This campaign is just kicking off,' a short announcement said on his website.
'We're opening up offices, unpacking boxes and starting a conversation with supporters like you to help shape our path to victory. 2012 begins now ...'
The video on the site featured supporters from around the country discussing their support for the Democratic president.
Political observers expect the Obama campaign to raise an unprecedented $1bn for the race.
Meanwhile, the exact date of President Obama's visit to Ireland is expected to be announced in the coming days.
One of the first invitations issued to Mr Obama has been from University College Cork. It wants the President to join it in its commemoration of his great hero, Frederick Douglass.
Earlier, over 30 officials and members of the Advanced Security Team associated with the visit of President Obama to Ireland next month arrived with a garda escort in Moneygall.
The group arrived by coach shortly after 3.30pm and was met by representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and local gardaí.
They drove around the town and took pictures of the area's locations including the Kearney homestead.
