Computer chief set to be US ambassador

US President George W Bush has chosen a Massachusetts high-tech executive to be the country's next ambassador to Ireland.

Richard Egan's nomination is due to be announced after he clears final background checks and his candidacy is reviewed by the Irish Government.

Mr Egan, who was a major fundraiser for the President's election campaign, is head of EMC Corporation, a computer storage company.

He has no diplomatic or political experience, but is well-known in Irish business circles, having played an active role in promoting investment in Ireland.

EMC Corporation operates a major manufacturing plant with hundreds of employees in Cork, most of whom make data storage devices for international customers.

The company also has sales offices in Dublin and in the North. Mr Egan will replace existing ambassador Michael Sullivan from Wyoming.