Medway MPs have welcomed this week’s historic election of Barack Obama in the US presidential poll.

Westminster veteran Bob Marshall Andrews said the Democrats’ victory in Tuesday’s poll ended a ‘dark period’ for the global super-power.

He said: “This is the best possible news. A dark period in American political history has finally come to an end.

“Anyone who cares about international peace, justice or the environment will rejoice at this victory and remember this day.”

Chatham and Aylesford MP Jonathan Shaw, added his own tribute praising the 44th President of the United States elect for helping to re-connect voters with politics. He described Obama’s triumph as a ‘watershed moment.’

He said: “The president elect ran an inspirational campaign, energising politics with progressive values and his vision for the future.

“The stunning victory represents a triumph of hope over fear.”

“The election of the first black American president is a watershed moment in history.

“Martin Luther King’s dream was that people would be judged not by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.

“Today, Dr King’s dream has come true.”

Medway’s Afro Carribean community will be holding their own Obama party this Saturday at County Hall in Maidstone.

The Kent County Council HQ is currently hosting an exhibition on the contribution of black people during past wars and conflicts.

Carol Stewart, chair of the Medway African Caribbean Association hoped the US result would raise hopes that one day a black British man or woman would enjoy similar success.

She said: “This will encourage our young people to work towards their aspirations, and with the support of people in the community to achieve them.

“Who knows, one day we may see a black Prime Minister!”

• More on the US vote on our Medway at Large - Reporter's Blog - click here