In a Sunday New York Times article Kennedy (67) was mentioned as one of a small group of key individuals who may well be offered ambassador appointments. Also included was former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and another Irish American, former Missouri senator Claire McCaskill.
Ted Kennedy famously intervened to have his sister Jean vetted for the Irish job early on in the Clinton administration. Jean Kennedy Smith was appointed the US Ambassador to Ireland in March 1993 and served until 1998.
She is correctly credited with creating a major role for herself in the success of the Irish peace process despite hostility from career diplomats who never shared her views that America needed to play an essential role. She is now looked upon as the most effective US Ambassador to Ireland in the modern era.
Vicki Kennedy is a beloved figure in the Irish American community in Boston. Vicki Reggie Kennedy is from a deeply political family in New Orleans. There was originally much speculation in 2009 that she would serve the unexpired part of Senator Edward Kennedy’s time in office but she refused consideration on that occasion and when the seat was up for re-election.
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She has been very prominent in creating and hosting programs at the Kennedy Library as well as campaigning for political candidates.
Clare McCaskill did not have a high profile on Irish issues but is from an Irish American background and is said to be under consideration for a diplomatic post.
The NY Times report made clear that Biden himself is vetting appointments and is taking a keen interest in who gets postings.
Vicki and Ted Kennedy.
Among the names not mentioned in the Times but said to be under consideration for Ireland are Chicago lawyer John Cooney, New York civil rights lawyer Brian O’Dwyer, former Ireland Fund Chairman John FitzPatrick, Massachusetts state representative Clare Cronin and former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Tommy O'Neill, son of former House Speaker ‘Tip' ' O'Neill.
With President Joe Biden having such obvious pride in his Irish heritage the Irish job is a coveted one with one insider telling IrishCentral that there have been up to 40 applications.
Appointments are said to be imminent in early April.
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