Hillary Clinton 'visit in autumn'

Mrs Clinton has been a regular visitor to Northern Ireland

There is speculation that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton could visit Northern Ireland in the autumn.

Niall O'Dowd, publisher of the US-based Irish Voice newspaper, told RTE radio that Mrs Clinton wanted to introduce herself to the leaders of the political parties.

He said Mrs Clinton would also appoint an economic envoy to Northern Ireland.

Mrs Clinton visited Northern Ireland six times between 1995 and 2000, while Bill Clinton made four official visits.

There has been no comment from the State Department, however US sources have confirmed that Mrs Clinton is expected to fill the role of special envoy to Northern Ireland herself rather than appointing a diplomat to the post.

The envoy role has previously been handled by a State Department diplomat, among them high-profile figures George Mitchell and Richard Haass.

The last diplomat in the role was Paula Dobriansky. She stepped down when President George W Bush left office and has not been replaced.

During the US presidential campaign last year Barack Obama reportedly questioned whether a US special envoy to Northern Ireland was still necessary.

When Mrs Clinton and Mr Obama were contesting the democratic nomination for President she was accused by some opponents of over over-stating her role in helping the Northern Ireland peace process.

Speaking in New Hampshire in January 2008 she told how she helped to "change the atmosphere among people" in Northern Ireland and brought together Catholics and Protestants for a meeting in Belfast.

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