Latest news with #mediarelations
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
More Man Utd departures
Two more significant departures from Manchester United have been of media relations and public affairs Andrew Ward and media director Ian Nolan are to leave the is best known as the United official who accompanied head coach Ruben Amorim to his news exits are not part of the redundancy programme and both will remain in position until their replacements are McCaffery will step up and be alongside Amorim at future media returned from their post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong on are due to play Leeds in Stockholm in their first pre-season game on 19 July before heading to the United States to take part in a Premier League tournament along with West Ham, Everton and Bournemouth.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ed Mitchell remembered as 'political genius'
May 31—KINGSTON — Longtime friend Andy Reilly described the late Ed Mitchell succinctly. "Ed Mitchell was a political genius," said Reilly, executive director at the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority. "He had an innate ability to understand the mood of the electorate and he knew exactly what they would respond to, which is why he was so successful as a political consultant. And so he was never afraid to tell his clients the truth with regard to how they were being perceived by the public, which is very rare in politics." Mitchell passed away on Thursday at the age of 77, following a short illness. A visit to Mitchell's website, reveals a lot about who he was and just how effective he had been in local, state and national politics. Just take a look at his impressive list of successful campaigns that he handled. "We'll quarterback your team to victory," is the first thing that catches your eye on the website. "Analyzing polling data, gathering research, providing media strategies and advice are among the strengths Edward Mitchell Communications brings to their winning campaign efforts. This is what goes into the compelling ads Ed Mitchell creates and produces. "When it comes to campaign management, political advertising and media relations — there is virtually no task the founder of the company, Ed Mitchell, has not performed successfully." That says it all. One of Mitchell's biggest successes was in his handling of all primary and general election campaigns for former U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski — 26 in all, 13 primaries and 13 general elections. Kanjorski said his first encounter with Mitchell was as an opponent — the two were candidates in the 1980 special election to fill the seat formerly held by U.S. Rep. Dan Flood. A third Democrat won the nomination — the late State Sen. Ray Musto, who lost the General Election to Republican Jim Nelligan. I was so impressed by Ed that I had lunch with him after that campaign," Kanjorski said. "I knew if I ever ran again, I wanted Ed on my staff." Mitchell was with Kanjorski for the Nanticoke Congressman's 26 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. "Ed was a dear friend," Kanjorski said. "We all will miss him and his counsel, which was always very worthwhile." It's the same story with Reilly, who said Mitchell was a mentor to him in politics and government. "He helped me in my first foray into politics when, as a young 18-year-old, I ran a successful campaign for Luzerne Borough Council," Reilly said. "He also helped in my subsequent campaigns for Mayor and then County Controller. Ed was always my biggest advocate throughout my career." Reilly went on to say, "But as tough as Ed was in politics, he was the most generous person I ever met. And not only to me, but with restaurant servers, bartenders, delivery people, nurses and caretakers. Ed would routinely hand out gift cards for popular restaurants, stores, and gas stations to people he came across in his daily life. He would also routinely give money or pay bills for those he knew were struggling. And for all his accomplishments in politics, to those who were touched by his generosity, that is what he will be most remembered for." State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski said Mitchell will certainly be missed, but more so he will never be forgotten. "Ed dedicated decades of his life to the political community, on all levels, federal, state and local," Pashinski said. "Ed understood the importance and necessity of participating in the political world to preserve the voice of the people and to preserve our precious Democracy." Pashinski said all who knew Mitchell will miss his words of wisdom and his diplomatic guidance to foster a win for the people. "I always enjoyed my conversations with Ed and learned a great deal," Pashinski said. "And I suspect he will be looking down from heaven, keeping watch and still guiding some of our words and actions." Former Luzerne County Democratic Chair Kathy Bozinski said Mitchell was a brilliant political strategist and an incredible person. "When I worked in television news, I could always turn to him for clear, insightful analysis of any political story," Bozinski said. "When I became Chair of the Luzerne County Democratic Committee during the chaos of COVID and one of the most volatile presidential campaigns ever, Ed was my mentor and friend." Bozinski said Mitchell was the first to reach out to offer help and sound political advice, which, she said, he always gave straight up — with brutal honesty and no sugar coating. "But on a personal level, he was one of the kindest, most generous and supportive friends I was privileged to have," Bozinski said. For Wilkes-Barre City Mayor Tim Leighton said, "Ed was the best at what he did and loved to do. He was a great mentor to me and many others, but more importantly, he was a true friend. I will miss the calls and text messages from him asking how my family and I are doing. He was a dear friend to many." Family offers memories Mitchell's brother, Alan, a professor at Georgetown University, provided some biography information about his brother: Ed Mitchell was born on Aug. 23, 1947, to Albert and Blanche Mitchell (nee Buczkowski) in Brooklyn, NY. He lived there until 1957, when the family moved to Northeast Pennsylvania. He attended St. Ann's High School in Freeland, from which he graduated in 1964. He graduated from the University of Scranton in 1968 with a degree in Political Science, after serving as Student Body President. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society. Upon graduation, he embarked on a 14-year career on Capitol Hill, first working in the office of Congressman Daniel Flood. He served as a legislative assistant to the late Congressman Allard K. Lowenstein (D-NY) and as Administrative Assistant and Press Secretary to Congressman Peter Kostmayer (D-Pa) from 1978-1981. He was also a counselor to Congressman Paul Kanjorski (D-PA) for 26 years. Prior to that, he was the press secretary and communications director for Pennsylvania Gov. Milton J. Shapp. Ed had run for Congress himself twice. In 1981, he began his own political consulting business, Ed Mitchell Communications. In 1987, he returned to the Wyoming Valley, where he served local clients seeking positions in public service. He had a keen interest in the people of the Wyoming Valley and contributed to local charities and causes seeking to alleviate food insufficiency, such as The Commission on Economic Opportunity and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Regional Food Bank, founded by his close friend, the late Gene Brady. "Ed will be remembered by his family as a loving son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and grand-uncle, who was caring and extraordinarily generous," Alan Mitchell said. "Ed Mitchell will be remembered as a big-hearted man who accomplished extraordinary things in ordinary ways. He never forgot his own humble beginnings in Brooklyn, N.Y., and dedicated his entire life to helping those less fortunate than he was." Alan Mitchell said the McLaughlin Funeral Home is handling all arrangements. Ed Mitchell's clients (Partial Listing) — U.S. Congressman John P. Murtha (PA). — U.S. Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA). — U.S. Congressman Ron Klink (PA). — U.S. Congressman Bob Borski (PA). — U.S. Congressman Peter Kostmayer (PA). — U.S. Senator Bob Casey's (PA) campaign for Auditor General. — Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Campaign Committee. — Pennsylvania State House Democratic Campaign Committee. — Pennsylvania State AFL-CIO. — State Sen. Lisa Boscola (PA). — State House Speaker Keith McCall (PA). — State Rep. Kevin Blaum (PA). — State Rep. Jim Wansacz (PA). — State Rep. Rich Grucela (PA). — State Rep. Steve Samuelson (PA). — State Rep. Mike Gruitza (PA). — State Rep. Phyllis Mundy (PA). — The Democratic Study Group. — The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DC). — County and District Judges campaigns in Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Northampton Counties. — Northampton County Executive Glenn Reibman. — Schuylkill County Commissioners Frank McAndrew and Mantura Gallagher. — Luzerne County Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla. — Mayor Chris Doherty of Scranton. — Mayor Tom Leighton of Wilkes-Barre. — Schuylkill County District Attorney Jim Goodman. — Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Musto Carroll. — Lackawanna County Sheriff Campaign of Rob Mazzoni. Some of his business and governmental clients have been: — Commission on Economic Opportunity (Luzerne County). — Housing Development Corporation (Luzerne County). — NRDC (Luzerne County). — Home Recording Rights Coalition. — SONY Corporation of America. — CAN DO, Hazleton. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Irish Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Dublin Metro job vacancy: could this fixed-term contract become a job for life?
Fixed-term for the long-term on Metrolink media job A recently advertised media-relations job at Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) could be one of the longer-term fixed-term jobs of our time given it relates to a project mooted more than 20 years ago that has yet to secure planning permission. MetroLink's press office lead, on a salary of €104,971-€129,841, will be hired on a fixed-term contract until 'three months post commencement of passenger services' on the rail system. The job is to ensure 'effective communication with the media, employees and the public' and a key qualification is an 'ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions to keep the project on track'. The project has been attempting to get on track for quite some time, with TII in September 2022 applying for permission for the 18.8km line, running from Swords to Charlemont via Dublin Airport. A second phase of public consultation on MetroLink closed in October, and a decision on whether it proceeds is awaited from An Bord Pleanála, but nobody knows when it will come. READ MORE Swords Central Station Plaza artwork. Photograph: The person currently fielding media queries for TII probably had a busy day last Sunday after project director Sean Sweeney told the Business Post the line was unlikely to be completed by 2035, could cost 20 per cent more than its projected €9.5 billion budget and would be a source of 'grievous' disruption during its construction. Any bets on when the end of those three months 'post commencement of passenger services' might be? Padel plans. Photograph: Alain Jocard via Getty Squash club makes a racket to try save its Ballsbridge home Many observations rolled in before the deadline in a Dublin planning case where Old Belvedere Rugby Football Club is seeking to demolish the home of Old Belvedere Squash Club to build what would, presumably, become the home of Old Belvedere Padel Club. The squash club has a 100-strong membership and a large number served up a €20 fee to tell Dublin City Council of their displeasure about the RFC's proposal to raze their two courts and replace them with three courts for padel , a tennis-like game played with solid bats. Several observers argue the 'destruction of an established community sporting facility' would be contrary to the council's policy objective GI49: to protect existing and established sporting facilities. Demolishing the squash club would be 'a gross and unnecessary act' that would hurt the Leinster squash scene at a time when the game is thriving ahead of its debut at the 2028 Olympics. In its observation, the RFC says padel is one of the 'fastest-growing sports globally' but is underserved in terms of infrastructure in Dublin. There is one court nearby, with businessman Dermot Desmond, an honorary life member and near-neighbour of the RFC, having added one to his Shrewsbury Road home during relatively recent renovations. The RFC argues that padel is expected to become an Olympic sport, 'further validating its long-term growth trajectory', whereas squash, 'while historically important – is a minority sport that has seen a decline in participation numbers in recent years, both in Ireland and internationally'. It says its two squash courts have become a 'financial drain' and that its plan could see usage rates rise from 20 per cent to about 80 per cent, helping to secure Old Belvedere's 'long-term viability'. The ball is now in the council's court, with a decision expected no later than May 27th. Farewell to the 'great O'Duffy' A remarkable life that began in Dublin recently came to an end. Alan O'Duffy, a record producer and sound engineer, who worked with the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Rory Gallagher, Horslips and Eric Clapton, died last month aged 76. Born in Clontarf, O'Duffy and his family moved to London when he was nine. He took an interest in music and, according to an obituary published in the Times, started working at Pye Studios in London when he left school in 1965 after his ambition of becoming a Catholic priest was dashed. At a time when technology was limited and ingenuity was needed, O'Duffy found unique ways to deliver distinctive sounds. He had Slade record part of Cum on Feel the Noize in a concrete passageway leading to a studio lavatory. McCartney, who he collaborated with on the 1975 Venus and Mars record, previously recalled his 'fabulous time working with the great O'Duffy', saying his technical skills and 'wacky sense of humour created memories that to this day are golden'. O'Duffy later worked on scores for TV and film, including An Irish Goodbye , which won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 2023. A memoir, Music, Magic & Madness: Adventures Recording Music Legends, was published last year. In a post on Facebook, Horslips said O'Duffy had a 'formative' impact on their sound and was 'a pleasure and an inspiration to work with – fun, inventive, tasteful, endlessly positive'. Enoch, Enoch: who's there? Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Two principals come and go at Wilson's school, but Enoch Burke remains A saga is defined as 'a long, involved story, account, or series of incidents'. It is unclear when it becomes an episode, but the dispute between teacher Enoch Burke and Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath, ongoing since 2022, is surely in saga territory now. Burke was dismissed over a row sparked by his conduct in protesting about what he said was a requirement handed down by the then principal, Niamh McShane, to address a transgender pupil with 'they/them' pronouns. The evangelical Christian argues he was standing up for his beliefs on a matter that breached his constitutional right to religious freedom. The school, for its part, categorised the behaviour as 'gross insubordination'. If a principal's tenure is regarded as an 'era' for a school, this saga is about to enter its third, with Wilson's Hospital currently seeking a new principal successor to Frank Milling, who in November 2022 took over from McShane but is departing for the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The job description says the successful candidate will be responsible for the 'guidance and the direction of teachers' and establishing 'an orderly, secure and healthy learning environment'. The school is seeking someone 'self-aware enough to know when to seek support, particularly when dealing with challenging situations'. Despite Burke having been jailed three times for contempt over his refusal to stay away from the school, and the High Court last month hearing some €40,000 had been seized from his bank account to enforce the payment of some of the fines imposed for same, he continues to return. Earlier this month, he recorded a video at the front gate about how Milling was planning to move on. The saga continues. Doireann Garrihy. Photograph: Andres Poveda Doireann Garrihy has listenership – and profits – to make up 'Radio is where my heart is,' said Doireann Garrihy when her return to the airwaves, taking on the drivetime slot on RTÉ 2FM, was announced earlier this year. The latest listenership (JNLR) figures, published on Thursday, show Garrihy has ground to make up if the show is to match the highs the The 2 Johnnies were hitting a year ago, with listenership down to 133,000 from the 151,000 commanded by the Tipperary duo back then. The 2FM breakfast show, which Garrihy left last May to 'pursue the projects I've been dreaming about', added 5,000 listeners. Her brief parting from RTÉ did not come without a cost. Latest accounts filed for her company, Doireann Enterprises Ltd, show a loss of €48,000 for the year to August 31st, compared with a profit of €9,000 a year earlier. Despite the loss, the company had healthy retained profits of €493,000. 2FM's listenership is considerably smaller than Radio One's, but it remains the most popular radio station for 15- to 34-year-olds. Getting back Garrihy, who turns 33 on Monday, was a good move by RTÉ as she falls into the right age bracket and target market for 2FM's advertisers.
