Ex-adviser to Michael D Higgins breaks silence on Áras departure

The former Presidential adviser Mary van Leishout has broken her silence in relation to her departure from Áras an Uachtaráin saying she left on “amicable terms”.

In some media reports at the weekend it was suggested that she had experienced difficulty in getting access to the President by having to go through his executive assistant Kevin McCarthy. The allegations were denied by Áras sources.

They said Mr McCarthy was one of two administrators working in the President’s private office along with his personal secretary and it was the secretary who managed all appointments and meetings.

In a statement issued through a public relations firm Montague Communications today Ms van Leishout did not address the specific issues raised in press reports.

Instead, she described herself as being honoured to accept an appointment as adviser to the President and described it as a “privilege to have the experience of working in Áras an Uachtaráin”.

Ms van Leishout joined the Presidential staff as an adviser in February last year on a salary of €103,472, but resigned recently half way through her three-year term. She now works for Goal.

She said she left to take up a role in overseas development, an area which she claimed to have a “deep, personal and longstanding commitment”.

She added: “I departed Áras an Uachtaráin on very amicable terms with everyone and wish the President, Sabina and all my former colleagues well for the future. I will be making no further comment on this matter.”