February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Susan Falvella-Garraty
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. is sending over someone who understands the workings of the high-tech economy to be the next ambassador to the Republic.
Richard Egan, who started a billion-dollar computer corporation in his garage 20 years ago, is expected to be named U.S, ambassador to Ireland by President Bush, perhaps this week.
Egan, who through a spokesperson said he would not be able to comment until "it was appropriate," has been a large contributor to the Republican Party and assisted the new administration during the recent presidential transition.
According to computer industry reports, Egan’s computer storage corporation, EMC, Inc., had over a billion dollars in revenue last year. It was one of the first American corporations to locate a major facility in Ireland, in 1988.
Just last month, both Egan and his wife, Maureen, stepped down from the company started outside of Boston by the Marine Corp veteran and early computer technology entrepreneur in 1979.
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Massachussetts Democratic Rep. Martin Meehan, a long-time friend of Egan and active member of the House on Irish issues, called Egan an outstanding choice for ambassador.
"Dick Egan is a man of integrity and brings a passion for serving in the public’s interest," he said, adding that he expects support for Egan’s nomination to cross party lines.
Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy offered somewhat premature statement congratulating Egan for his nomination. He withheld actual endorsement of the nomination for Egan in the statement. Kennedy’s sister Jean Kennedy Smith held the post while President Clinton was in office. Kennedy stated that he "looked forward to hearing" what Egan had to say on the peace process in Northern Ireland during the Senate confirmation process.
Egan received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from his alma mater, Northeastern University, in 1995 and an honorary Doctor of Science Degree from the New England Institute of Technology in 1999. He was named Inc. magazine’s 1994 Master Entrepreneur of the Year.
Egan was an early supporter of President Bush. Intimates describe him as unpretentious yet a successful negotiator in business affairs.
Meehan said he planned to organize meetings between Egan and member of Congress concerned over the health of the Good Friday accord before the new ambassador sets off for Dublin.
"The key to the success of the Northern Ireland peace process is ensuring a healthy economic future, and Dick Egan certainly knows how to perform in that field," Meehan said.