In her fourth year of a highly successful tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Jean Kennedy Smith has won praise from all sides, and has proved herself to be the most effective Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland from the United States since the countries began diplomatic relations in 1949.

Following in her father’s footsteps — Joseph Sr. was Ambassador to Britain — her appointment made them the first father/daughter combination to serve as ambassadors in U.S. diplomatic history. And there’s no doubt the elder Kennedy would be justifiably proud of the job his daughter has done.

She has taken her role extremely seriously and has expanded it as necessary to fulfill her objectives. Kennedy Smith takes a deep interest in the ongoing effort for peace in Northern Ireland, and she uses her good office whenever possible to help achieve that peace.

Kennedy Smith also manages to find the time to give to work with charities and other worthy causes, including that of the mentally handicapped, with her handicapped sister inspiring her to become involved in such worthwhile work.

She accompanied her brother Jack on his historic visit to Ireland in 1963, and also hosted a St. Patrick’s Day reception for then Taoiseach Sean Lemass at the White House — during her sister-in-law Jackie’s pregnancy. In 1974, Kennedy Smith made her first contacts in Northern Ireland, and she would be back on those same streets herself in less than two decades, this time as Ambassador.