Ms Perry has worked as a journalist in RTÉ since 2007, reporting across television and radio news including the Six One and Nine O'Clock news programmes, Morning Ireland, the News at One, Drivetime and other RTÉ programmes.

Commenting on her new role she said: "I'm thrilled and utterly delighted. The Washington correspondent is such an important role, one I've wanted and worked towards for a long time. I just can't wait to get started."