THE upcoming appointment of a new US special envoy to Northern Ireland has been welcomed by a Belfast-based businessman and academic who once served as chief of staff for his father.
Joseph (Joe) P Kennedy III, a grandson of the assassinated presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, is expected to be confirmed in the role in the coming days.
Dr Francis Costello was chief of staff for his father, Joseph P Kennedy II, and has lived in Belfast for 25 years.
While the Kennedy dynasty carries huge political weight, Dr Costello said the new envoy had carved out an impressive career in his own right.
"I've known him since his early days when I worked for his dad, but even as a young boy I knew he always had a public spirit," he told The Irish News.
"He has an interest in helping people and is not just about competitive politics."
A former Harvard Law student, Joe Kennedy (42) formerly served in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic for two years.
He was later appointed as a district attorney before serving in the House of Representatives for Massachusetts between 2013-21.
The role is expected to focus on boosting economic development rather than political issues like Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
"He's representing President Biden and the United States so his role is to be as helpful as he can be. Not just for political parties but for all the people who live here too," said Dr Costello.
"He comes from a family with a tradition of uplifting people and confronting the politics of darkness and divisiveness. That was something that was very dear to his grandfather that inspired a lot of us into politics.
"Joe has charted his own course by working with people at grassroots and the ordinary people of the earth. I know that he'll be a very good listener."
Previous envoys include George Mitchell who later played a critical role in negotiating the Good Friday Agreement.
"Clearly President Biden is very concerned for Northern Ireland coming up on the 25th anniversary of the peace deal, that it's not just celebrated as a date on the calendar but in a meaningful way."
He said US funding from the International Fund for Ireland was one area in which Mr Kennedy could focus his efforts.
"To be helpful as needed will be his job, he will work with all communities and all parties with an open mind.
"It's a good opportunity for him and the US to play a more active role here, working with the US consul in Belfast and local communities."
Earlier, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also praised US President Joe Biden's decision to appoint Kennedy.
"If Joe Biden can add weight (to foreign investment), it will certainly be a good appointment," he told the BBC.
"Concentrating for a number of years on the economic situation will help Northern Ireland."
"Joe Kennedy has always taken an interest in Northern Ireland - because of the circumstances where its cost base is very attractive for foreign direct investment, it has quality employees, it has a large amount of young graduates."
