THE US ambassador to Ireland, Ms Jean Kennedy Smith, has said she would like to stay in her post if President Clinton wishes her to.
"I serve at the pleasure of the President," she told reporters in response to questions in Dublin yesterday. "Every new administration looks over these posts and makes a decision. If the President would like me to stay I would love to stay."
Her comments cast further doubt on speculation that she would be replaced shortly. British newspapers reported at the weekend that Ms Kennedy Smith would be recalled from her post because of a change in US policy towards Northern Ireland and the peace process.
On Monday the US State Department spokesman, Mr Nicholas Burns, said the ambassador "retains the full and unequivocal support of the President and Secretary of State Albright." A White House spokesman, Mr David Johnson, also said there were no plans to recall Ms Kennedy Smith.
"Suggestions that we are considering sharp changes in our policy are false," he added. Mr Burns said the US administration supported the position of the Irish and British Governments "that there's no seat at the table for organisations like the IRA or Sinn Fein that do not renounce violence.
The Tanaiste, Mr Spring, said he would welcome Ms Kennedy Smith "staying for a long time to come. She has been a hands-on ambassador with a strong commitment to Ireland. She has the confidence of the Irish Government and has played a direct role in the peace process.