The job of most senior press official in the State has for the first time been given to a woman.
Following the appointment of the cabinet yesterday afternoon, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, later named Ms Mandy Johnston (30) as Government Press Secretary.
Ms Johnston has been press officer to the Department of Finance for the past five years and has also worked with the Football Association of Ireland.
She succeeds Mr Joe Lennon who has been appointed communications adviser to the Taoiseach.