US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has named Congressman Paul Ryan as his vice presidential running mate, according to reports.
It is thought that Mr Romney’s choice will bring the debate over how to reduce government spending and debt to the forefront of the race for the White House.
Mr Ryan has been the head of the budget committee in the House of Representatives and has a strong Irish American heritage.
Mr Ryan is an Irish American from Wisconsin who has been the star politician in the House of Representatives for the last year.
His budget proposals, which called for widespread cuts in the healthcare system for older Americans and for sweeping changes in the pension system, were hugely popular with the Tea Party right-wing section of republicans.
He is now the Republican pick for Vice President and for many it is a daring choice by Mitt Romney, who has been presented as dull and predictable.
Mr Ryan appeals to the right wing, but Republicans hope that his down to earth style and warm personality will endear him to independent voters, who hold the key to the upcoming election.
The announcement marks the end a months-long search for a running mate to face President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in the 6 November election.
