The general secretary of Fianna Fail, Mr Pat Farrell, is to resign at the end of next month to take up a senior position with the Educational Building Society (EBS).
He notified the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, yesterday of his decision to leave Fianna Fail headquarters after six-and-a-half years working under three party leaders.
Mr Farrell (40) said last night that during that time the party had undergone much change, development and modernisation, "and I am proud to have made my contribution to that".
The Taoiseach acknowledged the outstanding contribution he had made to the reorganisation of Fianna Fail. He was glad, he said, that he had opted to stay on in his important central role during the presidential election.
In his position of general manager with the EBS, Mr Farrell will take over responsibility for the society's 110 branches and branch agents outside Dublin. He will join the committee of 10 senior managers, which runs the society under the chairmanship of the chief executive, Mr Pat O'Reilly.
Mr Farrell will replace Ms Ann Lowry, who is to set up her own business. He will be responsible for the performance of the branches and the branch agents who distribute EBS core loan and savings products. Branch agents include insurance brokers, auctioneers, accountants and solicitors who offer EBS products to clients.
Mr O'Reilly said: "Pat Farrell's management abilities and experience will strengthen the EBS management team and support the development of EBS's business in the Irish market."