whilst the ascension island government is distinct from the st helena government, the governor of st helena, ascension and tristan da cunha serves as head of both of these. the executive authority of ascension is exercised on behalf of her majesty by the governor, either directly or through the administrator of ascension and other officers subordinate to the governor. in practice the administrator is the head of the ascension island government and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the government.