MONCTON, N.B. — The official announcement has yet to be made, but Frank McKenna is already letting out rooms in the ambassador's residence in Washington.

McKenna was in Moncton on Tuesday to attend the funeral of former New Brunswick premier Louis J. Robichaud.

It was the first time McKenna, Liberal premier of New Brunswick from 1987 to 1997, has been seen in public since speculation began circulating that he is about to be named Canada's ambassador to the United States.

As reporters waited to have a word with McKenna at the reception following Robichaud's funeral, a smiling New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord came up to him and said, "I want to be the first to visit you.''

"We'll keep a room in the house,'' McKenna told Lord.

On the record, McKenna said Robichaud's funeral was not the right time to talk about the Washington posting. But he made it clear an announcement is expected very soon.

"I don't want to talk about it today for obvious reasons,'' McKenna said, adding that Robichaud was one of his political heroes.

"But it's my anticipation, at some point in the near future, after all the necessary clearances, approvals and so forth take place, there will be an announcement and I will be pleased to talk then.''

Prime Minister Paul Martin also attended the funeral. He spent a considerable amount of time at the reception talking with McKenna.

Martin said McKenna made a great contribution to Canada during his tenure in public office.

"I very much hope he will be in a position to make a contribution once again, through public service,'' the prime minister said.

McKenna has been the subject of almost continuous speculation since he left elected office, returned to law and began sitting on numerous, high-profile corporate boards.

He is often touted as a likely successor to Martin as federal Liberal leader.

Liberal insiders say an appointment to Washington as Canada's ambassador will not derail any future political plans for McKenna.

Officials in Washington say McKenna can be assured of a warm welcome, given his close ties to Martin and to the American business and political elite.

Former presidents George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton are both golfing buddies.