President Clinton wants the job of head greenkeeper in Ballybunion golf club when he stands down later this month.
So the US President confided to the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, in a lighter moment during his Irish visit last month. In the north Kerry town, where he is held with genuine affection, locals are dining out on the story. They will be following Mr George W. Bush's inauguration on January 20th with particular interest. This will mark the deadline for a Government decision on how best to honour Mr Clinton's contribution to the Northern peace process.
Ballybunion proposes that it be done locally. The President became a hero when he accepted Mr Dick Spring's invitation to play golf on the Ballybunion course in September 1998. The local development company is lobbying the Cabinet to give the go-ahead for a £2.5 million peace park on a site known as the castle green.
Mr Jackie Hourigan, a director of the company, said: "We have put detailed proposals to the Cabinet, and we are hoping for a positive response. Apart from honouring the President, and Senator George Mitchell, we believe this would be an excellent public amenity."
During his first visit to Ireland, Mr Clinton acknowledged the Ballybunion banner as he addressed a large crowd in College Green, Dublin. Local businessman Mr Frank Quilter was present that day, and also attended the Democratic convention which selected the President to run for a second term. He was back in Dublin to cheer him on when he came for the last time as President in December.
The castle green site was bought by a developer some years ago, and he is prepared to sell it to the company for the original price of £750,000. The rest of the estimated expenditure would be spent on developing the site.
In its submission to the Government, the company suggested the peace park should contain a piece of sculpture of national significance. Just before Christmas, the Kerry North Fine Gael TD, Mr Jimmy Deenihan, asked the Taoiseach in a Dail question if he would approve a grant for the development of the park.
Mr Ahern replied: "In the course of President Clinton's visit to Dundalk I announced that his contribution called for an enduring form of recognition by the Irish Government and people, and we would announce our intentions in this regard when, following the completion of his term of office, it would be appropriate to do so."
Ballybunion awaits the Government's decision.