Reporting from Washington and Los Angeles — President Obama today chose Dan Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers professional football team and a Republican who helped him carry the pivotal state of Pennsylvania, to be the next ambassador to Ireland.
The announcement of Rooney, 76, came as water in the White House fountains ran green in honor of St. Patrick's Day and a visit from top officials from Ireland.
"I am honored and grateful that such a dedicated and accomplished individual has agreed to serve as the representative of the United States to the Irish people," Obama said in a statement. "Dan Rooney is an unwavering supporter of Irish peace, culture, and education, and I have every confidence that he and" Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton "will ensure America's continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead."
In the 1970s, Rooney helped start the American Ireland Fund, which has raised money for peace and education programs in Ireland. But he is better known for being in the football Hall of Fame and for his Super Bowl-winning Steelers, founded by his father.
Politically, Rooney has been known as a Republican, but he endorsed Obama over Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Democratic primary. Clinton won.
Rooney's endorsement and campaigning helped in the general election, when Obama carried Pennsylvania despite a strong race by Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin.
"Dan is a great friend," Obama said this morning when he greeted Irish leaders. "He and his family are as gracious and thoughtful a group of people as I know, and so I know that he is just going to do an outstanding job. And the people of Ireland I think will benefit greatly from him representing the United States there."
First Lady Michelle Obama was credited with the idea to dye the fountains on the White House's North and South lawns green, said spokeswoman Katie McCormick Lelyveld. In the Obamas' hometown of Chicago, the city pours green dye into the Chicago River to mark the holiday.
Traditionally, the president also greets top Irish leaders on St. Patrick's Day, and today Obama met with Prime Minister Brian Cowen in the Oval Office, and then with Northern Ireland's first minister, Peter Robinson, and his deputy, Martin McGuinness.
The president, wearing a green tie, welcomed Cowen to the Oval Office and saluted Irish contributions to the United States. Cowen presented Obama with the traditional bowl of shamrocks, said to bring luck.
