Journalists in Ireland leaving media for political jobs

Many journalists in Ireland are leaving their jobs to work in politics. This trend is driven by several factors, including low pay and high pressure in the media industry. Veteran journalist Vincent Browne notes that journalism has changed a lot over the years, becoming less enjoyable and more demanding. With online news and social media, journalists face continuous deadlines and long hours. As a result, many are looking for more stable and better-paying jobs in political communications. For instance, Hugh O’Connell, a former political editor, now works as deputy press secretary for the government. Other journalists, like Sarah Bardon and Páraic Gallagher, have also moved into political advisory roles. Michael Foley, a former journalism lecturer, says the number of political reporters has grown significantly, creating a need for more advisers. Many young journalists see roles in politics as a way to secure their careers in an unstable industry. Jobs in public relations often offer better pay and a clearer career path. The gap between journalist salaries and what public relations firms pay is widening. Many journalists feel that working in politics provides more financial security, especially in Dublin, where the cost of living is high. Sean O'Rourke, a broadcaster, emphasizes that poor pay and job security in journalism make political roles more appealing. Some journalists worry about the close relationship between their profession and politics. Critics argue that former journalists might be biased towards politicians after switching sides. However, many believe that journalists maintain their integrity and do not compromise their reporting for future job offers. Despite concerns, the trend of journalists moving into political roles is also seen outside Dublin. Julian Fleming, a former newspaper subeditor, found the transition to public affairs easy and was drawn by better work-life balance. Overall, the landscape for journalists is changing. Today's students often aspire to broader communications roles rather than traditional reporting. Despite these shifts, some former journalists like Duignan feel that reporting standards have improved over the years, indicating that while the industry evolves, quality journalism remains crucial.