A WHITE House spokesman has denied any shift in policy on Northern Ireland which could affect the future of the US ambassador to Ireland, Mrs Jean Kennedy Smith.
He was replying to queries about a report in the London Times that she may leave her post as a result of a more pro British policy by Washington towards the peace process.
A spokeswoman for the ambassador in Dublin declined to comment on the report, saying only "I serve at the pleasure of the president".
Government sources said they did not have "an iota" of knowledge that moves were afoot to ensure Mrs Kennedy Smith would not serve as ambassador for another term.
She was "very much part of the American administration that has been very supportive of Ireland", one source said, and her continued presence would be appreciated.
Mrs Kennedy Smith played a significant diplomatic role in trying to secure an IRA ceasefire in August 1994, and returned from holidays in the south of France in order to procure a visa to the US for the veteran republican, Mr Joe Cahill, at that time.
"She has always acted generously towards Ireland and it is believed the president will want to keep her here. It is understood that she, too, will want to stay, well placed sources said last night.
They added that Mr Clinton would not be inclined to bow to pressure from London.
Meanwhile, the White House spokesman said personnel questions were never discussed publicly.
Since the re election of Mr Clinton last November, there have been rumours that Mrs Kennedy Smith, who will be 69 later this month, might not wish to continue in Dublin for another four years.
Sources close to her have indicated she did not envisage a change in her position in the foreseeable future, however they do not rule out that she may not serve the four years of the president's second term.
A contender for the Dublin post, who has strong Irish links, was told recently by an unimpeachable source that there was "no vacancy".
White House sources have also indicated they are unaware of an impending move by Mrs Kennedy Smith. While a change of president would have placed a question mark over all Clinton appointees, the re election is seen as giving Mrs Kennedy Smith the freedom to decide if she wants to stay in Dublin or retire.
It would not be unusual for ambassadors who were political appointees to retire on their own wish rather than serve a full second term under the same president. Thus changes are taking place in London, Paris and Tokyo and other important posts later this year.
A reported shift by the US administration to a more pro British policy on Northern Ireland is apparently based on the appointment of the new Secretary of State, Ms Madeleine Albright, and of a new team in Mr Clinton's National Security Council.
It is also seen as significant that Ms Albright will meet the Northern Ireland Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew on her forthcoming visit to London.
Her predecessor, Mr Warren Christopher, apparently never felt the need to discuss Northern Ireland with Sir Patrick.
Rachel Donnelly in London adds: The British government has remained quiet about speculation that Mrs Kennedy Smith may be replaced.
It is understood that should Mr Clinton alter his policy towards Northern Ireland, it would be supported in London.