Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
Secretary General
President Higgins has a new senior aide
The new Secretary General has been named as Art O’Leary.
PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has a new senior aide, after his former Secretary General decided to take up a role in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Government have announced today that, following consultation with the President, Art O’Leary will step into the role.
O’Leary is currently a Principal Officer in the Department of the Taoiseach. Until recently he was Secretary to the Convention on the Constitution.
President Higgin’s current Secretary General, Adrian O’Neill, is to take up a position as Second Secretary General in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
It was announced in April of this year that O’Neill was to leave his role. He was appointed to the position in 2010, when Mary McAleese was President.
President Higgins said in April: “I thank Adrian for his valuable contributions and commitment to the Office over recent years and, in particular, for his role in the recent State Visit to the United Kingdom.”
O’Neill himself said that serving the President had been an “honour”.
have your say