Barack Obama has been re-elected as President of the United States.

To chants of 4 more years he appeared before his jubilant supporters in Chicago in the early hours of this morning.

Although counting of votes is still under way in some states Republican Challenger Mitt Romney has conceded defeat.

Obama has told the people of America the best is yet to come after securing a 2nd term in the White House.

The President has been addressing jubilant supporters in his home city of Chicago having won enough votes in the swing states to defeat Mitt Romney.

Working together 

He has promised to sit down with his Republican rival to discuss how they can work together.

In his concession speech to his backers in Boston Mr. Romney said he prays the President will be successful in guiding the nation.

There have been scenes of wild celebration across the US with people taking to the streets in Washington and New York.

However Mr. Obama will once again have to deal with a divided Congress while he is in charge.

The Democrats have kept control of the US. Senate while Republicans still have their solid majority in the House of Representatives.

US TV networks began calling an Obama victory just before 5am Irish time.

Just ahead of  that Barack Obama tweeted his 22 million twitter followers a message of thanks followed by a picture of him hugging his wife Michelle under the caption "4 more years".

Irish congratulations

Irish President Michael D. Higgins has added his voice to those congratulating Barack Obama.

He says the relationship between Ireland and the US has prospered during the first term of Mr. Obama and he is confident relations will be further advanced during the next 4 years.

The Tánaiste says President the re-election of Barack Obama represents a good and hopeful day.

Eamon Gilmore says the Irish government looks forward to working further with President Obama who he also hopes will revisit Ireland during his 2nd term. 

In Chicago President Obama told cheering supporters of his hope for the future.