Before being appointed Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs by the then minister, Mr Dick Spring, three years ago, Mr Padraic MacKernan had had a career trajectory that took him to the most high-status diplomatic postings.
A native of Limerick and married with a grown-up family, Mr MacKernan (58) has enjoyed a reputation as a bright, affable fellow - not at all the po-faced diplomat - who likes to holiday in Connemara, where he takes in a bit of angling.
He is widely read, with a notable knowledge of history, literature and philosophy.
His high profile in the Department of Foreign Affairs and wider Government circles was established well before he returned to Dublin to take over as Secretary General.
Before Mr Spring elevated Mr MacKernan, he held two of the four most coveted foreign postings, Brussels and Washington.
He was Ireland's permanent representative to the European Union, a key job in charge of critical negotiations in Brussels. He held the post during the talks that led to the securing of over £7 billion in EU funding for Ireland, which underpinned the formation of the Fianna Fail/Labour government.
His role in Brussels brought him into contact with virtually every cabinet member.
Before that, he had been ambassador to the United States, the next in line to secretary general in terms of prestige jobs, and one of the most desirable of goals for an Irish diplomat.
Mr MacKernan also has experience as the important political director in the Department of Foreign Affairs, a role that involved being in charge of developing policy on issues such as neutrality and bilateral relationships with other countries.
The Department is split into divisions dealing with Anglo-Irish issues, covering Northern Ireland; the Political division; Personnel; Protocol; Legal; Economic (dealing with EU affairs); and the Development Co-Operation Divis ion. Mr MacKernan is reputed to have a good grasp of detail in all areas of his domain.