Siren bubblin' in Dublin

— Posted Wednesday 10th February 2010 by Andrew Campbell-Edie

Things are about to get bubblin’ in Dublin because, as well as the UK Government working hard to get the Irish peace agreement back on track, I am about to make the move over to the Emerald Isle.

After over 20 years away from home my Irish partner has decided that the time has come to head back and is taking me as a willing hostage. Thankfully I’ll still have access to Britain’s best – the BBC, BA Club World and BA First. As well as hoping to pick up one of the world’s most attractive accents, I’m especially excited to be adding to the service Siren is able to offer clients by providing an invaluable presence on the ground.

One of the best observations I picked up when I last lived and worked in Ireland (two years ago) is that people in the UK often deal with the country as though it is a merely a regional town in England: “Why does the UK think we are Leeds?” was a frequent cry in the last office I worked in. Ireland should be treated as it is – a totally different European country with its own distinct culture. People in the UK just happen to be quite good at the shared language (sometimes). Telephone calls and emails from the UK are fine for most instances but can’t give an understanding of the rhythms and rhymes of this foreign country. 

Many UK PRs fail to hit the mark with the Irish media by issuing releases featuring common pitfalls:

1.   Costs in GBP

2.   “Further information from…” a co.uk website – these then have UK prices and contacts

3.   Releases with 0845/0800 freephone numbers – these don’t work from Ireland

4.   Not understanding the difference between the two capitals of Dublin and Belfast

5.   Eire – this is not the same as the Republic of Ireland (as well as a whole other debate that we probably won't want to get in to!) 

An on the ground presence is invaluable in Ireland where face-to-face relationships are all important – the result of a nation of approximately 4 million and a closely linked media network.  As Siren’s ‘Man in Ireland’ I’ll be providing the London office and clients with:

• Support for local events: launches, media lunches and receptions
• Local media intelligence: who reads, listens and watches which stories have media appeal
• Local marketing and competitor intelligence: eyes and ears on any local opportunities and challenges, insight into potential partners etc   

If you would like to discuss how Siren can support your PR efforts in Ireland, please do get in touch (andrew.campbell-edie@sirenpr.co.uk).