Feargal Purcell
Feargal Purcell

Feargal Purcell, who worked six years as press secretary for Ireland’s former taoiseach Edna Kenny, has joined Edelman as public affairs director.

In that capacity, he coordinated and managed all government communications and was the top PA advisor to Kenny.

Purcell agreed in June to work for new prime minister Leo Varadkar through a transition period that ran through Oct. 31.

Prior to joining Kenny, Purcell spent two years as deputy director of communications for the Fine Gael political party and then head of its press office.

He also served as an officer in the Ireland Defense Forces for 18 years, and played leadership roles with peacekeeping units in Lebanon and Bosnia.

Joe Carmody, managing director of Edleman Ireland, praised Purcell as a “respected political and communications strategist,” who has experience operating at the highest level of Ireland’s government.