Costa Rica Finally Has A "First Lady"!
Since president-elect, Oscar Arias Sanchez, is a bachelor and there is no wife to take on the role of first lady, tthe president-elect appointed two women.

But the surprise doesn't end there.

One of the women appointed is Claudia Corrales, sister of former deputy and PLN presidential candidate, José Miguel Corrales, who is a firm opponent to the TLC.

The future Ministro de la Presidencia, Rodrigo Arias, confirmed yesterday the appointment of Corrales Mariángela Ortiz de Tapia who will be sub-coordinator and coordinator respectively of the social functions of the First Lady.

Mariángela has been a director of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) and is closest to the president and myself, said Rodrigo Arias, who is Oscar's brother.

The traditional role and office of the "Oficina de la Primera Dama" occupied by the wife of the president will be converted into the "Oficina de Asistencia Socia" for the 2006-2010 administration.

Along with Mariángela and Claudia, Silvia Elena Arias, the president's daughter will be also be participating in important official government functions during the Arias administration.

The Oficina de Asistencia Socia will basically be taking over the work of social programs traditionally handled by the Oficina de la Primera Dama, like helping poor children, and providing assistance to seniors and underprivileged groups.