The nomination of Democrat Mr Michael J. Sullivan as ambassador to Ireland seems set for confirmation following a public hearing by the Senate Foreign Relations Sub-Committee on European Affairs, which the Republicans control, writes Sean Cronin in Washington. Mr Sullivan is a former Governor of Wyoming and a close friend of President Clinton from when both served on the Democratic leadership council in the 1980s.
Addressing the sub-committee, Mr Sullivan said: "As an American of Irish ancestry, I have a special appreciation of the deep ties of kinship, culture and history between the two countries, bolstered by shared values and increasing political and economic interests, all ties that I hope to help nurture and strengthen." He was especially pleased to be asked to serve in Ire land at this time. "Successful negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement took great courage and patience," he said, "and provides a historic opportunity to bring a lasting peace to the island." Asked about the possibility Ireland might join NATO, Mr Sullivan replied, without elaborating: "Certainly Ireland has been proud of its history of strict neutrality." Mr Sullivan also said he would make it one of his priorities to foster economic prosperity and job opportunities.