Burns withdraws as Trump's nominee for Irish ambassador

The man widely expected to be Donald Trump’s ambassador to Ireland, and whose wife has ancestral links to Mullingar, has withdrawn as the US President’s nominee.

Businessman and philanthropist Brian F. Burns (81) cited health reasons for his withdrawal, and the search will begin for a new candidate.

Mr Burns, who lives in Florida and is a close friend of President Trump, is married to Eileen (née Corroon), who can trace her ancestry directly to the Mullingar area.

The new favourite to take residence in the Phoenix Park is incumbent White House press secretary Sean Spicer, whose Irish ancestry is on his father’s side.