Ireland's Consul General in the US has been appointed Secretary General to the President.
Tim O'Connor (54) from Co Limerick succeeds the Brian McCarthy who retired after nine years in the role.
Mr McCarthy worked for 45 years in the Civil Service including stints in the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Finance and the old Department of Industry and Commerce.
The Government today announced Mr O'Connor was appointed after consultation with President McAleese.
He will take up his new position, which is the most senior in the President's office, in March.
