Former US President Bill Clinton is reportedly set to be appointed as the US Government's special envoy to Northern Ireland.

Reports this morning say he is expected to be appointed by his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to replace Paula Dobriansky, who stepped down when President George W Bush left office.

There is also speculation that Mrs Clinton may visit the North later this year after telling US-based Irish journalist Niall O'Dowd that she wants to introduce herself to the local political parties.