Friday, January 20, 2012

No Vacancy Yet at US Embassy Dublin But ...

Pittsburgh media reported this week that Ambassador Rooney is stepping down as U.S. ambassador to Dublin and rejoining the Pittsburgh Steelers. US Embassy Ireland just released a statement by Ambassador Rooney regarding his tenure:

“In reference to recent media reports, the role of Ambassador from the United States of America to Ireland is extremely rewarding work. It is a privilege to serve President Obama and the country, and to support and expand the excellent relationship we enjoy with Ireland. On July 4, 2012, I will have served three years in Dublin.  There is no specific date for departure.”

Photo from US Embassy Dublin

If Ambassador Rooney steps down after July 4, 2012, that does not leave a lot of time for a new nominee to get vetted and confirmed prior to the presidential election.  In all likelihood, a career diplomat, in this case, John Hennessey-Niland, the embassy's deputy chief of mission who arrived in Ireland on April 9, 2010 will keep things running until a new ambassador is nominated and arrived at post.  Which may not happen until the election dust settles and we get a new round of ambassadorships, possibly by the spring of 2013.

That's over a year away, I know ... but hurry! The early bird gets the worm; and the late one doesn't get any embassy in Europe.




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