Irish-American to command 600,000 soldiers in US army

AN Irish-American has been made the third most powerful man in America.

Martin E Dempsey was inaugurated as the chief of staff of the American Army at a ceremony at the White House.

General Dempsey is the grandson of John Óg Devenney, who left Ranafast in Donegal for America in 1926.

He will now oversee 600,000 soldiers in 135 countries and is third in command behind President Barack Obama and Defence Secretary Robert Gates.