US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney resigns

The United States Ambassador to Ireland, Dan Rooney, announced his resignation today.

Ambassador Rooney was appointed by US President Barack Obama on St Patrick's Day 2009, and arrived in Ireland in July that year.

Mr Rooney is also the chairman emeritus of the Pittsburgh Steelers American Football team.

Ambassador Rooney's successor has yet to be announced. The decision is the discretion of the US President, who will name the ambassador, who must then be approved by the United States senate. 

The announcement is not entirely unexpected, and there has been speculation in the media about possible candidates for the role.

Ambassador Rooney wrote an opinion piece for The Irish Times today in which he said the relationship between Ireland and the US was the strongest it has ever been:

It has been an honour and privilege to represent the US as ambassador to Ireland. The president charged me to protect and build the historic and deep friendship between our two countries.

I am pleased to say this relationship is the strongest it has ever been. Ours is not a foreign relationship between two countries but a shared kinship between two great peoples.

Mr Rooney is expected to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers football team in some capacity following his resignation.

Ambassador Rooney, left, with President Barack Obama and President Mary McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin. Image: Wikimedia Commons