Patrick Freyne

@patrickfreyne.bsky.social

Irish Times writer & author of OK, Let's Do Your Stupid Idea & now, out in June, Experts in a Dying Field. You can preorder here: https://linktr.ee/expertsinadyingfield

Weirdly AI is making me a more productive writer because any time I get stuck, or run out of momentum on a document, I ask myself "What are you going to do, Richy? Ask the machine for help?" and then I'm suddenly fueled by sufficient spite to keep going.

In November, a lobbying firm approached me and asked to pay me to write articles critical of the Building Safety Regulator for newspapers. Filmed undercover, their staff admitted secretly paying reporters for copy in British newspapers friendly to their clients: www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Lobbying giant filmed offering reporter payment for flattering client coverage in national press

Exclusive: Guardian investigation of CT Group uncovers practice that appears to seek hidden influence over public opinion

theguardian.com

I wrote about solutions to antisocial behaviour involving scramblers & e-scooters. The short version: without gardai being resourced to properly enforce existing laws it’s down to youth workers, community workers & diversion projects. www.irishtimes.com/life-style/p...

Scramblers scourge: ‘People are dying because of it’

Using scramblers in public places has been illegal since April. The Garda Commissioner supports an outright ban on e-scooters

irishtimes.com