Quinn appoints journalist as adviser

THE LONG-SERVING education editor of the Irish Independent, John Walshe, has been appointed as a special adviser to Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn.

Mr Quinn said he looked forward to using Mr Walshe’s extensive knowledge of the education system to further the Government’s policy agenda and deliver “a high-quality educational experience” to students at all levels.

“We have a very ambitious programme for education, which is one of the key drivers of the economy, but we also have to protect the disadvantaged and ensure that no child leaves school unable to read or write,” Mr Quinn said.

Meanwhile, it is expected to be announced soon that former Fine Gael communications director Ciarán Conlon will serve as a special adviser to Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation Richard Bruton on policy matters.

Mr Conlon, who was recently director of election planning and strategy, began his career with a research and teaching post at UCD before moving to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. He worked with MRPA Kinman Communications and provided media and communications advice to the Progressive Democrats ahead of the 2002 general election.

It is also expected that Seán Mac Cárthaigh will work in an advisory role for Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs Jimmy Deenihan. Mr Mac Cárthaigh's most recent position was director of public affairs with the Arts Council. He was previously managing editor of the Irish Echoin New York and was also political correspondent of the Sunday Business Post.He was also a reporter for The Irish Times.

Former Fine Gael press officer Nick Miller has been appointed press adviser to Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar. A number of Fine Gael policy officers, including economic adviser Andrew McDowell, are assisting the Taoiseach, but appointments have not been formalised as yet.

Mr Kenny yesterday said the numbers and cost of advisers would be considerably less than in previous administrations and details including salary scales would be published when appointments were finalised.

The former head of the Fine Gael press office Feargal Purcell is to become the Government press secretary but will not take up the post until later in the year.