President Trump appoints Mick Mulvaney as US Special Envoy to NI

By Cate McCurry, PA

Donald Trump's acting chief of staff is to become the US special envoy to Northern Ireland.

The US president confirmed Mick Mulvaney has taken up the role in a tweet on Friday.

The diplomatic role has remained vacant since former US senator Gary Hart left the position in 2017 when Mr Trump took power.

Mr Mulvaney is replaced as the president's chief of staff by Republican Congressman Mark Meadows.

Mr Mulvaney is an Irish-American and has strong links to Co Mayo where his grandparents are from.

The appointment came as the White House released details of Mr Trump's meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar next week.

Mr Varadkar will travel to the US for the annual St Patrick's celebrations.

In a statement, the White House said the two men will discuss how to strengthen relations between the US and Ireland, including the robust and cultural ties and joint commitment to "maintain the gains" of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Trump also said he is looking forward to hosting the Taoiseach at the traditional Shamrock Bowl presentation at the White House.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD welcomed the announcement. 

"US Special Envoys have been instrumental in facilitating and protecting the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements over the past twenty-two years," she said. 

"I look forward to working with Mr. Mulvaney to ensure that all our agreements are protected and implemented as we navigate our way through Brexit and plan for referendums on Irish unity in line with the Good Friday Agreement.”