Dublin based Drury Communications director Paddy Hughes was speaking following his election as the new President of the Institute this month.
‘The Irish PR sector is facing into an exceptionally tough and challenging environment in 2009,' said Hughes. ‘Business could drop by 15-20 per cent. It is therefore imperative that the creative and strategic initiatives we provide our clients with prove beyond doubt that professional communications can and do make a difference.'
He added: ‘While the industry will face difficulties, business life will go on and organisations will require, now more than ever, strong communications and reputation management counsel.'
Hughes succeeds MCD Productions marketing and PR director Justin Green as president. Fleishman-Hillard director of healthcare Orla Burke has been elected vice-president.