The new US ambassador to Ireland has taken office, after presenting his credentials to President Michael D Higgins.

Edward F Crawford was accompanied by his wife Mary Crawford, his son Matthew Crawford and by Mr Reece Smyth, deputy chief of mission.

Mr Smyth was appointed as acting ambassador back in March 2017.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan represented the Government at the ceremony on Monday.

Ambassador Crawford, whose parents emigrated from Ireland in the 1920s, was accompanied to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an escort of honour from Cathal Brugha Barracks.

A Guard of Honour was also provided by the 12th Infantry Battalion at Sarsfield Barracks.

Speaking about his appointment, Ambassador Crawford said: "I am deeply honoured to serve in this role.

"When I was a young boy, my parents instilled in me a deep love and sense of connection to Ireland.

"As ambassador, I plan to build on our important relationship and strengthen the bonds between our two countries."

Image via @dfatirl on Twitter

Prior to his appointment, he founded and served as chairman and CEO of Park-Ohio Industries, Inc - an international industrial enterprise.

He is the recipient of the Northeast Ohio Business Hall of Fame Entrepreneurial Award, Small Business News Master Innovator Award, Ernst & Young Northeast Ohio Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Small Business Administration Man of the Year-Ohio Award.

He has a long history of entrepreneurship in Cleveland, Ohio - where has been active for many years in the city's Irish-American community.

Ambassador Crawford also describes himself as an avid sportsman.

He is an active member of Masters Basketball, a Golden Gloves boxer and he has ran the Boston Marathon.

He arrived in Ireland following his confirmation by the US Senate on June 13th.