President McAleese will embark on her first foreign trip when she visits the troops in Lebanon before Christmas. Since her inauguration she has undertaken a number of engagements around the country but generally her time has been filled in dealing with the huge correspondence she received congratulating her on her election and inviting her to attend various events, settling in in her new home and reviewing her staff requirements.
A number of staff left the Aras with Mary Robinson as their term had expired. The most senior was the private secretary to the President, Peter Ryan, who has been replaced by Brian McCarthy, previously assistant secretary in the Taoiseach's office. The assistant secretary in the Aras Colm Butler stays on, as do many of the secretarial staff, but Mrs Robinson's personal staff have left and there is speculation as to who will be the new Bride Rosney, who was both personal assistant and press attache and credited with much of the success of the Robinson era.
Apart from party press officers, Mrs McAleese's media handlers from nomination to inauguration were Eileen Gleeson and ex army officer Wally Young, both of whom have their own PR companies. Ms Gleeson has stayed on and, with Mr McCarthy, has been dealing with the media. Although decisions have yet to be finalised she will continue to work for the President in some press related capacity. The needs of the new regime, in terms of PR, speech writing, assistants and so forth, are being assessed but it appears there will be no new Bride.
The three McAleese children started school in Dublin on Thursday. Emma and Sara at Loreto Convent in St Stephen's Green and Justin at Belvedere. A number of schools were considered and the children made their own choices.
While all this is going on, Mrs McAleese and her husband Mar- tin have been getting round to meeting the neighbours. The couple called unexpectedly last week at the doors of the various gate lodges in the Phoenix Park. When the residents had got over their shock they brought the first citizens in for tea.