Mr Paul O'Neill, the former business editor of The Irish Times, has joined Casey Communications, the Cork-based public relations firm as account director. The company has also appointed Mr Paddy Gallagher - a former area director for the IDA - associate director.

The appointment of Mr O'Neill and Mr Gallagher represents a major expansion of the services offered by the firm, according to managing director Mr Pat Casey. Mr O'Neill will be responsible for the development of financial and corporate communications services while Mr Gallagher "will play a strategic, non-executive role in developing the company's client base within existing and new incoming sectors".

"Paul O'Neill has a deep knowledge of the workings of national and international media, particularly the priorities and requirements of those specialising in financial and business news," he said. "Paddy Gallagher is synonymous with economic development in the regions and the attraction of new inward investment to this country," he added.