Irish Ambassador to US to stay on amid uncertain diplomatic times

Geraldine Byrne Nason will remain Ireland's ambassador to the United States. 
The Irish government said continuity in Washington is vital because Byrne Nason's cross-party relationships on Capitol Hill and her role in opening Ireland's new embassy position her to protect Irish interests during a turbulent period in US politics.

Career diplomat Geraldine Byrne Nason will remain Ireland’s ambassador to the United States after the Cabinet signed off on a package of ambassadorial nominations on October 14, 2025. The decision reflects a government view that Byrne Nason, who has served in Washington since 2022, is best placed to steer Irish interests through what officials described as choppy diplomatic waters under the Trump administration.

The nominations approved by Cabinet included 18 ambassadorial positions that will take effect in 2026 subject to agreement by the receiving states, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. Tánaiste (Deputy Leader) Simon Harris praised the slate of nominees and said, “I know that those nominated as Ambassadors will represent Ireland with great distinction as they work to support Irish citizens and to advance Ireland’s interests and values around the world.”

Government sources told reporters that continuity in Washington was prioritised because Byrne Nason has built strong working relationships on Capitol Hill across party lines, TheJournal.ie reports. Senior officials argued that making a change at this moment risked putting bilateral relations on the backfoot, particularly given the unpredictable tenor of the current US political scene.

Before arriving in Washington in 2022, Byrne Nason served as Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, a post she held for five years. Her diplomatic track record also includes postings in Paris and senior roles inside the Department of the Taoiseach (Irish leader), experience the government said will help maintain steady lines of communication with US partners.

Last month, Byrne Nason presided over the opening of Ireland’s new embassy in Washington, a high profile move that places the mission within walking distance of the White House. The opening prompted a personal letter from US President Donald J. Trump welcoming the embassy and saying, “Welcome to the neighbourhood.” That exchange has been cited inside Government as a sign of the pragmatic, if sometimes unconventional, access Irish diplomats maintain in Washington.

US President Donald J. Trump.

The wider reshuffle approved by Cabinet includes a number of senior moves. Martin Fraser will move from London to become Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York next year. Sonja Hyland will succeed Fraser as Ambassador to the United Kingdom. The Department of Foreign Affairs noted that more than half of Ireland’s diplomatic missions will now be led by women. 

In the government statement Tanaiste Harris added “The Government will continue to strengthen Ireland’s global presence and influence, deepening and expanding our network, building new partnerships and amplifying our voice in the world.”