The man who orchestrated the Republic's successful switch to the euro, Central Bank Governor Mr Maurice O'Connell, is to retire.
His decision to go was confirmed today by Minister for Finance Mr Charlie McCreevy, who asked Mr O'Connell to stay in his job for an extra period last year because of the January 1 currency transition.
Mr O'Connell will retire on March 10th and be succeeded by Mr John Hurley, the current secretary-general of Department of Finance.
PA