Tip O’Neill Rejects Bush Offer of Post as Envoy to Ireland

BOSTON —  Former House Speaker Thomas P. (Tip) O’Neill Jr. (D-Mass.) was asked by President-elect George Bush to serve as ambassador to Ireland but declined for personal reasons, it was reported today.

The offer was extended at a private meeting Friday between O’Neill and the Republican President-elect, who have been friendly for years, the Boston Globe said.

It is widely known O’Neill has held an interest in serving as ambassador to Ireland, but the newspaper said he decided against accepting Bush’s invitation because of factors that include the poor health of his wife, Millie.

It was rumored just before O’Neill left office in 1986 that President Reagan might appoint him ambassador to Ireland. When Reagan mentioned such speculation, his longtime Democratic opponent jokingly replied, “What? And have your picture on the wall of my office? No way.”