Experienced in government and business, Gerard is a credible and
incisive commentator. A speechwriter who has written for great occasions at Westminster
and Washington, he knows how to keep the attention of his audience. At home, Gerard is a keen debater and participates in many current affairs programmes on both TV and radio.
Gerard Howlin is a public affairs consultant since 2008, and a columnist with the Irish Examiner since 2012. He is a regular contributor to political debate in the media. He was a Special Adviser at the Department of Tourism and Sport 1997-1999, the Department of Taoiseach 1999-2007 and was Government Press Secretary June - August 2007. He has a master’s degree in history from Trinity College Dublin.
His public affairs practice includes MNCs, and a range of NGOs and government bodies who themselves seek to influence public debate and policy outcomes. Being informed and connected is his credential. Being able to crystallise his understanding into strategies that are feasible for his client and to deliver on them is his business.
His opinion is frequently sought on radio and television. Programmes he has recently contributed to include Prime Time, Marian Finucane, Yates on Sunday, Drivetime, The Last Word and The Week in Politics. He is a regular speaker at the MacGill Summer School.
Politics
Policy making
Public administration
Budgetary strategy
Role of government
"The Irish League of Credit Union is a national and volunteer led body. Gerard has presented to and addressed a wide range of credit union fora. He has a clear command of current affairs. He has a very interesting way of presenting and is enthusiastic for the cut and thrust of the lively Q&A sessions that characterise our meetings. I can definitely recommend him as a conference speaker." - Ed Farrell, CEO, Irish League of Credit Unions
"Gerard chaired the first session after lunch at our annual national conference. He really brought it to life. There was no lull and he succeeded in getting a great conversation going between the panellists and the audience. He was lively, dynamic, and ensured that the speakers did most of the speaking and our members had a great input from the floor." - T.J. Flanagan, CEO, ICOS
"Gerard has a real command of current affairs. He knows the people, and he has lived the life. As a speaker he can synthesise, get to the point, and make it interesting. He added knowledge and interest to the occasion." - Siobhán Masterson, Head of Corporate Affairs, Ibec