US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has appointed New York-based businessman Declan Kelly as US Economic Envoy to the North. Mr Kelly, who was chairman of Financial Dynamics, is a native of Portroe, Co. Tipperary, and brother of Labour Party MEP for Munster Alan Kelly.

The appointment was welcomed by Taoiseach Brian Cowen who said, "The appointment is another clear signal of the continuing commitment of the United States to the peace process and to building prosperity throughout the island of Ireland".

Mr Cowen added ,"Declan has a wealth of business experience in the United States and internationally, as well as a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities we have here at home in Ireland.  I have valued his advice in recent years and I know that he will bring passion, optimism and ambition to his new role".

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