Kevin Rafter

Kevin Rafter is a Full Professor of Political Communication at Dublin City University (DCU), specializing in Irish politics, political communication, and journalism studies. He has held leadership roles including Head of the School of Communications and Faculty Associate Dean for Research. His career spans academia, journalism, and public service, including chairing the Arts Council of Ireland and Culture Ireland. Rafter holds advanced degrees in economics, politics, and corporate law governance.

His research focuses on Irish political history, media's role in elections, and journalism ethics. Notable works include Dillon Rediscovered (2025), Taoisigh and the Arts (2023), and co-authored Resilient Reporting (2019). He has also authored biographies of Irish political parties like Fine Gael and Sinn Féin.

Rafter's professional contributions extend to editorial roles at journals like Administration and Journalism Practice, and he oversees DCU's journalism scholarship program at Arizona State University. His public service includes chairing civil service reform initiatives and facilitating government negotiations.

His journalism career began in the 1990s, covering major political events in Ireland and internationally. Awards and recognitions include a Fulbright Scholarship (2024) and European Journalism Awards. Rafter balances academic leadership with active engagement in cultural and policy discussions, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise.