Rockwood Public Affairs has announced the appointment of three consultants to meet the demands of its growing client base.

The consultancy has appointed Grant Sweetnam, who has served as an economic policy advisor to Fianna Fáil and special advisor to Michael McGrath, the former finance minister.

Ferghal Blaney, the former Irish Daily Mail and Irish Mirror political reporter and special adviser across government departments, has also joined the company.

Additionally, Rockwood has hired Gillian Fitzpatrick, formerly of the Irish Daily Mail, Bauer Media Audio Ireland and Maximum Media, and a regular media commentator on RTÉ, Virgin Media and BBC.

Rockwood said the appointments would enhance its strategic expertise and insight, pointing to Sweetnam's knowledge of housing, taxation, capital investment and policy-making, Blaney's combination of political strategy and media expertise, and Fitzpatrick's high-level experience in storytelling, brand strategy, and the evolving media ecosystem.

The trio join a senior team that already features William Lavelle, a former special advisor in the Department of Justice; Dan Mulhall, Ireland's former ambassador to the US, UK, Germany and Malaysia; and Ross Elwood, former special advisor at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

"Each of our new team members brings a wealth of experience, perspective, and professionalism that aligns with Rockwood’s values: results-driven delivery, and strategic clarity," said Lorraine Higgins, managing director of Rockwood Public Affairs.

Rockwood offers public affairs consulting, communications and media relations, association and event management, risk monitoring, policy analysis and audit and strategic counsel among its services.

Photo: (l-r) Lorraine Higgins, Ferghal Blaney, Gillian Fitzpatrick, Grant Sweetnam and William Lavelle. (Pic: Supplied)