News

The formal presentation of the highest honour that can be bestowed on a member of the PRII was made by PRII President Paul Hand, MPRII at a special event on Tuesday, 18 February.

We are thrilled to unveil the most significant update to the PRII Sourcebook ever! The Sourcebook has now evolved into a user-friendly, enhanced database designed to help members create media and public affairs lists with ease.

Following the recent executive orders from President Trump aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the US federal government, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) released an open letter which reaffirmed its commitment to DEI. 

The Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland (IAPI) launched the Irish Cannes Young Lions competition last month. The competition to select the Irish teams across all seven categories, including public relations, will take place from 21 to 23 February, with the registration deadline set for tomorrow 19 February.

The Electoral Commission (An Coimisiún Toghcháin) has launched a public consultation to shape the future of education and information on Ireland’s electoral and democratic processes. This initiative aims to build Ireland’s first-ever Education and Public Engagement Strategy, focusing on increasing public participation in democracy.

Last week, the UK government launched a comprehensive guide designed to provide accessible technical guidance on the safe and effective use of AI across government departments and public sector organisations.

Last week, two of our members, Martyn Rosney, FPRII and Julie Blakeney, MPRII, were featured in the Business Plus ‘40 under 40’ list, which highlights the PR sector's brightest talents.

In a recent article, PR Week reported on the new AI platform called DeepSeek, which has quickly become a game-changer in the industry.

Mark O’Toole, MPRII and member of the PRII AI in PR Working Group recently hosted another instalment of ‘The Briefing’ for senior public affairs, communications, and business leaders in collaboration with Spencer Recruitment at The Minerva Suite in the RDS, Dublin.

Following their success at the 2024 Awards for Excellence in Public Relations, Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) have sponsorship opportunities available for #ETBWEEK 2025 and the ETB Excellence Awards which will be held in Croke Park on 27 March.

News media in Ireland reported (07/02) that company filings last month show former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has set up a public relations and communications company called Draoigorm Limited.

Red Flag Consulting has been acquired by New York's Ankura Consulting Group for a reported €45 million. Red Flag CEO is Karl Brophy, Managing Director is Deirdre Grant and its Chairman is Gavin O’Reilly.

A recent study by the UK-based communications agency Fox&Cat  sheds light on the primary stressors affecting communications professionals working in agencies or consultancies.

The Vatican recently marked the first jubilee event of the Holy Year, interestingly named the Jubilee of the World of Communication.

White House Communications Director and Senior Advisor to President Biden, Ben LaBolt recently posted on LinkedIn about his final day in office. He wrote about the job, its pressures and privileges, and shared some observations that ring true for many working in communication and public relations. Here are some… 

In a recent article, Korn Ferry, a global organisational consulting firm, highlighted an interesting trend among the younger generation, specifically those aged 18-34 (Gen Z and younger Millennials) This age group overwhelmingly prefers texting to making or receiving phone calls.

Ibec, the group representing Irish businesses, published its new Economic Outlook, forecasting GDP growth of 1.7% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026. The report highlights that the Irish economy is experiencing a moderation in growth after five years of remarkable expansion.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised?

Hugh O'Connell, political correspondent with The Sunday Times, is to be appointed deputy government press secretary. This appointment was made following the recent formation of the government.

Last week, the Irish Cannes Young Lions 2025 competition was officially launched by IAPI. The competition to select the Irish teams across all seven categories, including public relations, will take place from 21 to 23 February, with the registration deadline set for 19 February.