House Speaker Paul Ryan says he could see himself in the role of U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland when he reaches retirement age.
"I wouldn't mind being ambassador to Ireland when I'm in my 60s," the Wisconsin Republican, 48, said in an interview with Irish Central.
Ryan traces his Irish roots to the town of Graiguenamanagh in County Kilkenny, southwest of Dublin, and reportedly keeps a Kilkenny jersey and a hurling stick in his office. His great-great-grandmother grew up in Kilkenny and emigrated to the United States in the 1850s, according to the Irish Times.
On Wednesday, Ryan confirmed he will not seek re-election in November, telling a press conference that he has decided to set new priorities in his life and with his family.
"What I realize is if I'm here for one more term, my kids will only have ever known me as a weekend dad," Ryan said. "I just can't let that happen. So I will be setting new priorities in my life, but I will also be leaving incredibly proud of what we've accomplished."
The position of Ambassador to Ireland is currently vacant. Kevin O'Malley, a St. Louis attorney, was the most recent ambassador and served until President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
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