Profile

I’m a Cyprus-based former Mideast correspondent for The Times (1989 to 2011) and also wrote for The Daily Mail, The Observer and The Scotsman. I did hard news, features, analysis, travel writing, and editing. Between reporting trips to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, I wrote brochures for regional banks and tailored copy for the Mideast market of a leading French fragrance and fashion house. I have extensive broadcasting experience with LBC and IRN. Academic qualifications: BA Hons in English Literature from Exeter University, Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Warwick University. (I'm a native English speaker, born in Tipperary.)

“Mike is a rare find. He is a superb researcher and analyst with enviable depth of knowledge and a sharp intellect. Just as impressively, he writes with clarity and concision to distil the most complex matters into compelling copy for a range of audiences. This skill has been highly prized by Fleet Street, and is now equally valued in corporate communications.” Lesley Hussell, director of editingedge.co.uk (and ex-Daily Mail executive).