The Press Council of Ireland has appointed Susan McKay as the new Press Ombudsman, effective 1 October.
McKay will replace Peter Feeney, who is retiring after eight years in the post. McKay has extensive experience as a journalist, is the author of several acclaimed books, and is a former director of the National Women's Council of Ireland.
"The Press Council of Ireland is delighted to welcome Susan McKay as the next Press Ombudsman," said Roy Montgomery, chair of the Press Council. "She is an award-winning journalist and writer and has a deep knowledge and experience of many aspects of Irish life, and is known for her intellect, integrity and passion for justice.
"We look forward very much to working with her. I also pay tribute to the outgoing Ombudsman, Peter Feeney, whose excellent judgement and commitment to a free and ethical press have contributed to his outstanding performance in this sensitive role.”
McKay commented: "I am thrilled to have been appointed as Press Ombudsman by the Press Council, and I am particularly proud to be the first woman to take up this role. In print and online, public interest journalism is experiencing profound challenges in this country.
In Association with
"Our voluntary regulation system is internationally respected, and I look forward to working both
independently and with the Press Council to maintain and enhance that reputation.
"We need, and we have, superb journalists - people have a right to insist that our media uphold the highest standards."
The Press Council has also appointed Irish Chamber of Shipping secretary general James Doorley and former government minister Alan Dukes as independent public interest directors and Southern Star editor Siobhán Cronin as a press industry member.
They will take up their appointments in September, replacing Ruth Barrington, Patricia O’Donovan, and Ken Davis.
The Press Council has seven independent public interest directors and six directors nominated by the press industry. Directors can serve a maximum of two three-year terms.
Montgomery said the new directors would bring "strong and varied experience to the Press Council" and that readers and editors can be confident the Council will uphold its principles and support the maintenance of a free and independent press.
"I am deeply grateful to Ruth Barrington, Patricia O’Donovan, and Ken Davis, each of whom has played a vital role on the Council over six years of service," he added.
Photo: Susan McKay.
