US President Joe Biden has appointed former Congressman Joe Kennedy III as US special envoy to Northern Ireland.
The 42-year-old, a member of the Kennedy political family, fills the role that has been vacant since January 2021, after the envoy under Donald Trump, Mick Mulvaney, stepped down from the post.
Mr Kennedy is the grandson of former US senator Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968.
In a statement, the US Department of State said that, as special envoy, Mr Kennedy will focus on "advancing economic development and investment opportunities" in Northern Ireland.
It also said he will strengthen "people-to-people ties".
"His role builds on the longstanding US commitment to supporting peace, prosperity, and stability in Northern Ireland and the peace dividends of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement," the department added.
"Joe has dedicated his career to public service, including eight years in the US House of Representatives, tenure as Massachusetts Assistant District Attorney, and service as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
"He will draw from his extensive experience to support economic growth in Northern Ireland and to deepen US engagement with all communities.
"In parallel, US diplomats in Europe and Washington will continue to engage with political leaders on efforts to restore the Northern Ireland Executive and to resolve differences on the Northern Ireland Protocol."
Read more: Political instability may limit Kennedy's NI role
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the appointment of Mr Kennedy "demonstrates the continued commitment of President Biden and his administration to peace, prosperity and opportunity on the island of Ireland".
Mr Varadkar said: "2023 will be a significant year, with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in the spring. This appointment is a reminder of the United States' steadfast support for the peace and reconciliation process since the Agreement."
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin welcomed the appointment on Twitter.
Pleased to welcome @joekennedy as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 19, 2022
Looking forward to working with him on the continued peace and prosperity of NI as we prepare to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. https://t.co/BCcgELx8Ju
Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill said: "I look forward to Joe's engagement and service with the people and leaders of Northern Ireland."
"The US remains a critical partner for peace. They are an important stakeholder whose support for the Good Friday Agreement is deeply valued," Ms O'Neill said.
"This appointment puts renewed emphasis on the economic development of the North, and the benefits we can yield through dual access to both the EU single market and British market which uniquely positions our economy," she added.
"Joe Kennedy has a strong record in promoting the interests of the North and I look forward to working with him in the time ahead. I believe he will bring very considerable expertise and experience to the task.
"As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in April next year, the opportunity must not be missed to restore power-sharing and North-South co-operation which I hope will see President Biden come to Ireland."
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said the UK government welcomes the US administration's commitment to continuing to develop the "potential and prosperity" of the region.
"This appointment will create even more opportunities for taking forward this vital work," he added.
"I look forward to working together to accelerate the already strong US partnership with Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, including in the crucial areas of trade and investment.
"Northern Ireland's creative, hi-tech business environment makes it an ideal location for US investment.
"Most importantly, we share a steadfast commitment to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
"The US has been pivotal in supporting peace, stability and prosperity for Northern Ireland, and we will continue working together to make Northern Ireland a great place to live, work and do business.
"I look forward to welcoming Joe to Belfast in the near future."
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Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said he is looking forward to meeting Mr Kennedy when he visits Northern Ireland.
"His focus on economic ties is a welcome one and there is plenty for us to build on and develop," he said.
"Northern Ireland is already a success story to many American businesses who are operating from here.
"With a highly skilled workforce, two top-class universities and the promise of a beautiful place to live, we have much to offer.
"We also have a unique story to tell in the States with the influence of Ulster Scots in the development of their nation.
"Unionism has suffered from not engaging fully with the USA and this has been something my party has been keen to rebalance in recent years."
DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said Mr Kennedy must prove to unionists that he will be even-handed in his role.
"I think it is for Joe Kennedy to prove that he will be even handed in his approach. He needs to take account of Unionist views and concerns in relation to the economy and, of course, whilst his role is specifically focused on purely economic matters, one can't avoid the Protocol and the harm it is doing to our economy in Northern Ireland.
"We will work with Joe Kennedy. We want to see prosperity for Northern Ireland and we will work with whoever can help to deliver on the economic benefits, but we can't get to that place because the Protocol is in the way and it is inhibiting our ability to develop our presence in the UK market and our ability to trade within the UK internal market as well," said Mr Donaldson.
US Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin said that Mr Kennedy will not be involved in political issues.
She said his focus will be on strengthening US economic engagement and people-to-people ties with all the communities in Northern Ireland.
Asked on RTÉ's Drivetime if unionists might have concerns, and that he might be perceived as more favourable to the nationalist side of the community, Ms Cronin said that she thinks that when he has a chance to sit down with them they will know "he is the real deal".
She said he is a really fair, thoughtful person, very deliberate in his thinking, and has always been open to new ideas and different views.
