WASHINGTON (AP:

President Barack Obama on Tuesday selected Pittsburgh Steelers football team owner Dan Rooney to be United States ambassador to Ireland, turning to a lifelong Republican who provided the Democrat critical campaign support during the White House race.

The 76-year-old Rooney endorsed Obama over Hillary Rodham Clinton during the state Pennsylvania's contentious Democratic primary; Clinton won the contest last April. Rooney later campaigned for Obama in western Pennsylvania, where there are many Steelers' fans, land Obama went on to win the state last November.

American Ireland Fund

In the 1970s, Rooney helped found the American Ireland Fund, an organisation that has raised millions for advocacy of peace and education in Ireland. His legacy is reflected in a Steelers-themed bar in a disused linen mill in one of the roughest parts of northwest Belfast.

In announcing the nomination on St Patrick's Day, Obama called Rooney "an unwavering supporter of Irish peace, culture and education".

Obama said in a statement that he has confidence that Rooney and Secretary of State Clinton "will ensure America's continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead".

Rooney's father, Arthur J. Rooney, founded the Steelers in 1933. The son took over the presidency of the team in 1975 and is a Hall of Fame owner. His Steelers won the Super Bowl professional football championship this year.