Rooney resigns as US Ambassador

The US Ambassador to Ireland Daniel Rooney has resigned.

He was sworn in back in July 2009, and is well-known here as one of the founders of the American Ireland Funds - which is dedicated to building bridges of peace and culture both here and in the North.

His family is originally from Newry in County Down and he has also been a regular visitor here for most of his life.

He leaves the post after three and a half years.