Trump’s US Ambassador to Ireland officially begins his service

Edward Crawford has officially begun his term as Donald Trump’s United States Ambassador to Ireland, having presented his credentials to President Michael D Higgins

Edward F. Crawford presented his credentials on Monday to President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin (the presidential residence), officially assuming the office of United States Ambassador to Ireland.

Crawford (81), an Ohio businessman and entrepreneur has now officially taken on the role as US Ambassador 891 days after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Since Democrat Kevin O’Malley left the position in January 2017, Chargé d’Affaires Reece Smyth has filled the role.

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Speaking after he officially presented his credentials Crawford said, “I am deeply honored to serve in this role.”

The Ambassador’s parents emigrated from Ireland to the United States in the 1920s.

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Edward Crawford providing testimony to the US Senate before he was appointed to the role of Ambassador.

“When I was a young boy, my parents instilled in me a deep love and sense of connection to Ireland.  As Ambassador, I plan to build on our important relationship and strengthen the bonds between our two countries.”

Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Crawford founded and served as Chairman and CEO of Park-Ohio Industries, Inc., an international industrial enterprise with annual revenues of $2 billion and 8,000 associates worldwide.  He is the recipient of the Northeast Ohio Business Hall of Fame Entrepreneurial Award, Small Business News Master Innovator Award, Ernst & Young Northeast Ohio Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Small Business Administration Man of the Year-Ohio Award.

He has a long history of philanthropy and entrepreneurship in Cleveland, Ohio, where he has been active for many years in the city’s Irish American community. 

Ambassador Crawford also is an avid sportsman.  He is an active member of Masters Basketball and a Golden Gloves boxer.  He has also ran in the Boston Marathon. He and his wife Mary have one son, Matthew, who is married to Deborah, and three grandchildren, Colin, Catherine and Claire.

Ambassador Crawford arrives in Ireland following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate on July 13.  He was officially sworn into the role by Vice President Mike Pence last week. 

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