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A new envoy

February 17, 2011

By Staff Reporter

Kelly’s elevation follows several weeks of uncertainty concerning the manner in which the Obama administration was planning to approach its role in Northern Ireland’s peace and political process, and the economic underpinning that is so vital for both.
The appointment of Mr. Kelly clears much of the smoke.
Kelly, being Irish-born, can hit the ground running and indeed already has. His background means that he doesn’t have to do all that much homework with regard to his new area of responsibility.
That said, is to be hoped that he is welcomed by all in Northern Ireland as both a native of the island, as well as the representative of the United States, specifically the State Department and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and ultimately of President Obama.
We have long argued that investment and expanded economic opportunity in Northern Ireland is crucial for the success of the new politics, a phenomenon that has witnessed a level of power sharing and cooperation that would have appeared impossible just a few years ago.
It goes without saying that Mr. Kelly has received his brief at a time of great business and economic challenges in Northern Ireland, the Republic, the U.S. and just about every other country around the globe.
Nevertheless, given his experience in media, business and public relations, Kelly would appear to be well equipped to go about his task, and indeed well explain it, to those who are most interested in his progress: those living in Ireland, north and south, Irish Americans who have long placed great emphasis on the need for a sustained U.S. role in the evolution of a new Northern Ireland, the Congress and the administration.
“My job is to be here as frequently, as often as I can to promote trade and investment between our countries and to make sure no stone is left unturned to ensure continued investment in Northern Ireland,” was how Kelly described his new job in some of his first words after arriving in Northern Ireland on Monday.
Leaving no stone unturned is going to make for a pretty packed brief.
But Kelly’s task will undoubtedly be helped by the deep reservoir of goodwill that exists towards Ireland, the entire island, and a peace process that, in turn, brings benefit, again to the entire island.
We wish Declan Kelly success in his new mission.

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