US President Barack Obama has a dependable 'Irish mafia' within the White House to advise him on key international matters, his anti-terrorism chief said this week.

Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism, John Brennan, is one of the masterminds behind the assassination of Osama Bin Laden the Herald reports.

President Obama views him as his right-hand man on international relations.

Brennan's father is from County Roscommon and his mother from County Galway. Speaking in Dublin this week Brennan said it was an honor to address the Irish Institute of European Affairs.

'The national security team of Tom Donilon, Denis McDonagh, Mike Mullen, Bill Daley and the Mount Anville - educated Samantha Power are key advisors. They are proud Irish citizens. The 'Irish mafia' we are called in the White House,' Brennan said.