Brian Cowen in BBC News Mr Cowen said: "We are all relieved and thankful that Fr Michael's difficult ordeal has been brought to an end and that all our prayers have been answered."
Barack Obama in ABC News In our own time as millions around the world suffer from disease, especially the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, we should draw on the example of Fr. Damien's resolve in answering the urgent call to heal and care for the sick,Obama said.