House Majority Leader Claire Cronin took her oath of office as U.S. ambassador to Ireland inside the House Chamber at the Massachusetts State House on Wednesday morning, Jan 19. The Easton Democrat has been on deck to depart Beacon Hill for Dublin after her confirmation to the diplomatic post by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 18.

Attorney William Bonaccorso will administer Cronin's oath of office, according to the speaker's office. The lawmaker's husband and daughters will also be on hand as she gives her farewell address during a formal session. "The guests will be subject to COVID-19 vaccination status verification and a face covering requirement, consistent with House Rules," the speaker's office advised.

Cronin has served four and a half terms in the House and was named majority leader last year by Speaker Ronald Mariano. Her departure will open a slot near the top of Mariano's leadership team and leave her district without representation in the second year of the session, unless the House schedules a special election to fill her seat sometime in the spring. -

Sam Doran/SHNS