US President Joe Biden departed Ireland West Airport at midnight last night following a four-day trip to Ireland.

Speaking to reporters on the tarmac prior to his departure, Mr Biden said he had made up his mind to run for the presidency again, and will make a formal campaign announcement soon.

On the steps of Air Force One, Mr Biden said he loves Ireland and loved working with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during his visit, but was anxious to get back home to Delaware.

Mr Varadkar said it had been a really great visit, with a lot of work done, and thanked the president for giving so much of his time.

Earlier, President Biden delivered an energetic speech to a large crowd outside St Muredach's cathedral in Ballina.

Mr Biden spoke about his Mayo roots, the Blewitt family, and some of his personal links to the region, including the memorial to his late son Beau at the Mayo Roscommon hospice.

Mentioning the fight against global hunger, climate change and Russia's war against Ukraine, Mr Biden said what the Irish fight for – freedom and democracy, which always be defended.

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