JFK's grandnephew appointed Special Envoy to the North

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin welcomed the appointment

Joe Kennedy III. File picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A grandnephew of President John F Kennedy has been appointed as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland.

Announcing the appointment of Joe Kennedy III as special envoy, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said he would be tasked with “advancing economic development and investment opportunities in Northern Ireland to the benefit of all communities as well as strengthening people-to-people ties between the United States and Northern Ireland."

Welcoming the appointment, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin said it is a clear demonstration of President Joe Biden's direct engagement with Ireland as well as the enduring US commitment to supporting peace in, and building the prosperity of, Northern Ireland.

"Special Envoy Kennedy’s appointment comes as we prepare to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, an opportunity to look forward in the spirit of 10 April 1998 – with hopefully progress between the UK and EU feeding into new optimism.

"I look forward to working with Special Envoy Kennedy as he helps ensure everyone in Northern Ireland realise their full potential, best achieved through sustained investment in stability, in prosperity, and in the futures of the next generation of young people in Northern Ireland," Mr Martin said.

US ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin said she welcomed the appointment of "my good friend, Joe Kennedy III, as US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs.

"Joe and I worked closely together in our shared district, when I served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and he was serving as a Member of Congress. Joe Kennedy is an extraordinary public servant, and I know he will work tirelessly in this role increasing investment and economic growth in Northern Ireland, as well as strengthening people-to-people ties between all communities in Northern Ireland and the United States," she said.

"This appointment demonstrates President Biden’s continued, steadfast support for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, which he views as an historic achievement that must be protected to ensure peace and stability in Northern Ireland, she added. "I look forward to working with Joe to promote the economic opportunities made possible by the agreement," she said.

Sinn Féin's Northern leader Michelle O'Neill said the appointment puts renewed emphasis on the economic development of the north, and the benefits we can yield through dual access to both the EU single market and British market which uniquely positions our economy.

“Joe Kennedy has a strong record in promoting the interests of the north and I look forward to working with him in the time ahead. I believe he will bring very considerable expertise and experience to the task. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in April next year the opportunity must not be missed to restore power-sharing and North-South cooperation which I hope will see President Biden come to Ireland," she said.