Posted by Niall O'Dowd at 6/4/2009 11:32 AM EDT

There is still no sign of who the next peace envoy to Northern Ireland will be, even as many other diplomatic posts are being filled.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will make the appointment. It is clear that the envoy is still needed.

Conservative leader David Cameron has made it clear that he considers himself an Ulster Unionist and will support that party if, as looks certain, he is elected prime minister in the next British election which could happen at any time given the massive unpopularity of the current government.

The need for an American balancing hand in those circumstances is quite obvious.