Clinton takes pride in the role her husband's White House played in forging peace in Northern Ireland.

NPR: Hillary Clinton To Head State Department

That column looked at the role of Plame's husband, former Ambassador Joe Wilson, in investigating claims about Iraq's nuclear ambitions -- specifically reports that Iraq had tried to buy uranium ore in Niger and elsewhere in Africa.

CNN: Novak: 'No great crime' with leak

Throughout the journey, Mrs Duggan has been supported by husband Jason, 42, whose role was recently recognised when he won The Tommy's and Philips Avent Angel Award, which celebrates someone who has been supportive through a parenting or pregnancy-related problem.

BBC: Claire and Jason Duggan