The US ambassador to Ireland, Mrs Jean Kennedy Smith, has now told some members of Congress that she will be leaving her post next July. There has been frequent speculation about the ambassador stepping down this year but this is believed to be the first time she has confirmed her departure.
Meanwhile, in a dramatic announcement yesterday, her nephew, Congressman Joe Kennedy, said he was leaving politics and would not be running for re-election to his Massachusetts seat next November.
He said he would take over the running of the Citizens Energy non-profit organisation which his brother, Michael, headed until he was killed in a skiing accident last January.
Mrs Kennedy Smith, who is in Washington for the visit of the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to the White House next Tuesday, announced her intentions to at least two Irish-American members of the House of Representatives, Mr Jim Walsh and Mr Peter King, both of whom are Republicans.
Neither Mr Walsh who is Chairman of the Friends of Ireland in Congress nor Mr King who is Co-Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs, wished to comment on their meetings with Mrs Kennedy Smith but The Irish Times has learned that she disclosed her decision to them to resign as ambassador following the July 4th Independence Day celebrations.
Her appointment to the Dublin post was announced by President Clinton at the St Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House five years ago.
There has been some speculation that he may announce her successor at this year's reception for the Taoiseach and Ms Celia Larkin, but some observers say the replacement process is not sufficiently advanced.
Mr Walsh and Mr King are among the 41 Irish-American members of the House of Representatives who have written to President Clinton recommending a Washington lawyer, Mr Paul Quinn, as "an ideal person to step in and continue the momentum towards peace which is now underway".
Mr Quinn (63) has been active in Irish affairs in Washington since the 1960s. One of the signatories to the letter is a nephew of Mrs Kennedy Smith, Congressman Patrick Kennedy.
President Clinton in a letter to a senator who has also recommended Mr Quinn, said he "will give him every consideration when the time comes".
The President said Mr Quinn had "distinguished himself in supporting the peace process", and said of Mrs Kennedy Smith: "We are fortunate to have her services during this historic period".
But the favourite for the Dublin post is said to be the US Education Secretary, Mr Richard Riley (65), who has roots in Co Cavan and has frequently visited Ireland.
Mr Riley has also made it clear that he would be reluctant to give up his work in education which is one of President Clinton's second-term priorities.
Another talked-about successor is Mr Mark Gearan, the head of the prestigious Peace Corps which sends young Americans overseas to work in developing countries.
Mr Gearan is 41 and a former head of communications in the White House during Mr Clinton's first term.
Former congressman, Mr Bruce Morrison, who masterminded legislation to secure thousands of visas for Irish immigrants is also mentioned as a future ambassador.
He now heads the federal housing agency in Washington but keeps in close touch with the Northern Ireland peace process.
He was a member of the group of Irish-Americans who helped bring about the first IRA ceasefire in July 1994.