Irish International has been named the 1997 Advertising Agency of the Year, making it the first to win the title twice since its introduction seven years ago, writes Michael Foley, Media Correspondent. The agency last won the award, presented annually by Marketing magazine, in 1995. The joint runners up were DDFH&B and McCann-Erickson, Dublin. The three criteria used by the judges were growth in real terms, creativity and financial maturity.

Meanwhile, Marketing has released its figures for advertising spend during 1997. An estimated £360 million was invested in media advertising in the State last year, according to the magazine.