PR agencies would be happy to land NASA

It seems that the Republic's top public relations executives do not have their heads in the clouds. They are, in fact, much higher.

According to a survey of 20 consultancies aimed at discovering the definitive PR wish list, Marketing magazine found that six of those interviewed said, given a choice, they would select the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) as a client.

It was felt that acting for NASA would require the retention of government and public support and so it would be a long-term, rewarding client. (Rewarding indeed.)

While the Olympics and the World Cup tied for second place, the political accounts nominated by the PR gurus also threw up some interesting findings - notably the selection of Padraig Slattery of Slattery PR. He identified Jackie Healy-Rae as a potential client because, he said, the Kerry TD would provide a "wonderful opportunity to have your speech-writing qualities recognised on an international stage".