John McKervill, well known in Dublin since his stint in the British embassy last century, has been appointed deputy director of Information Services for the Northern Ireland Department at Stormont. He replaces Frank Woods, who was given a farewell reception in the conference room of Castle Buildings last Friday, attended by a large group of civil servants and media.
The BBC's Denis Murray made the speech on behalf of the guests and the permanent secretary at the department, Joe Pilling, also spoke.
There were no politicians present, as the British generally leave for the weekend and the Northerners have no jobs right now. Woods received binoculars on a tripod for his boating hobby and there were send-off videos of big visits he has been involved in - like the Royals and Bill Clinton, as well as the Days Like These campaign.
McKervill has been private secretary to three Northern Secretaries - Patrick Mayhew, Mo Mowlam and now Peter Mandelson. He will join the information director, Tom Kelly after Easter.
Quidnunc is rholohan@irish- times.ie