THE WHITE HOUSE is expected to nominate a successor to Dan Rooney as US ambassador to Ireland later today.
The news comes 18 months after the Pittsburgh Steelers owner stepped down from the role.
Kevin F. O’Malley, an attorney from St. Louis, is expected take over the role, according to a report by Irish Central‘s Niall O’Dowd.
O’Malley is a prominent supporter of President Barack Obama and recently attended the State dinner for French President Francois Hollande, Irish Cenral reports.
He’s also an officer in the US army reserve, and is a second generation Irish.
The long delay in filling the role has been criticised recently by Irish American politicians.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny also raised the issue with President Obama at the White House during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day visit, saying afterwards he hoped it could be “dealt with pretty soon”.
O’Malley’s nomination will have to be approved by the US Senate, after a confirmation hearing takes place.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say