‘One less round of golf’ and Obama could appoint ambassador to Ireland

President Barack Obama could take care of the appointment of a new US Ambassador to Ireland, if he played just one less round of golf, a former holder of the post said in an interview.

Tom Foley, who served as US ambassador for nearly three years under George W Bush, is amazed the president has not even managed to nominate someone for the post. The vacancy was one issue raised by Taoiseach Enda Kenny during his meeting with President Obama in the White House last week.

The president is “intent on dealing” with the replacement of Dan Rooney, who left the post in December 2012, the Taoiseach was assured.