Fianna Fail has named Mr Martin Macken as its new general secretary. He replaces Mr Pat Farrell, who left the £60,000-a-year post this month for a position with the Educational Building Society.
Mr Macken played a prominent role as director of communications in President McAleese's election campaign. His present job is director of Fianna Fail's European office.
A native of Dundalk, Co Louth, he will be 34 on Tuesday. He is a graduate of UCD.