US ambassador denies reports he is about to step down

US ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney has moved to quell speculation he is about to step down soon and return to a position with…

US ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney has moved to quell speculation he is about to step down soon and return to a position with the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. In a statement yesterday, Mr Rooney said he intended to stay until at least July 4th, the third anniversary of his taking up office.

“On July 4th, 2012, I will have served three years in Dublin. There is no specific date for departure,” Mr Rooney said.

Art Rooney II, a son of the ambassador and president of the Pittsburgh Steelers, told local US media this week that his father would step down from his position in Ireland and return to an unspecified role with the Steelers this year.

Deaglán  De Bréadún

Deaglán De Bréadún

Deaglán De Bréadún, a former Irish Times journalist, is a contributor to the newspaper