Fridae

The Banyan Tree Resort is re-evaluating its decision to appoint R-JH Public Relations as its PR consultant for Banyan Tree Phuket in the UK. The decision to hold signing of the contract comes in the wake of scandalous comments made by R-JH PR man Murray Harkins regarding the resort.

In a taped conversation with an undercover masquerading as a Dubai sheikh, Harkins was recorded making a crass sales pitch involving hosting a homosexual dinner party; 'young men' and drugs.

The reporter was told that he could stay at the U$1000-a-night Banyan Tree Resort in Phuket, one of Thailand's most popular beach destinations. The award-winning resort in Phuket is owned by Singapore-based luxury resort company Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts which owns resorts in Indonesia, Maldives as well as two other properties in development in Seychelles and Nepal.

The 36-year-old PR man was reported to have said, "If you want young boys go to Phuket" after the 'sheikh' had hinted at being gay, reported Rainbow Network. Harkin also told undercover News of the World reporter Mazher Mahmood that he could arrange 'discreet' housing rentals with the Resort after the 'sheikh' asked about it.

A check with the Banyan Tree group revealed that they regarded comments made by Harkin as unprofessional although they were initially "impressed by the efforts Sophie Wessex had put in to pitch for our account".

According to the British Electronic Telegraph, Harkin was said to have passed innuendos about Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex's sexuality when he was trying to cinch a �120,000 contract, which was in fact a fictitious deal.

In the taped conversation, Harkin also speculated that the Countess might be able to give the 'sheikh's' leisure complex project a higher profile by involving her husband, Prince Edward; defying previous agreements with the Palace not to abuse the Countess' status while making deals or being seen to endorse products.

Harkin who is openly gay is a co-founder of R-JH Public Relations. The company is named after himself and his business partner, Sophie Rhys-Jones, the Countess of Wessex.

The Countess has stepped down as chairman, relinquishing day-to-day control while Harkin has resigned to take a break from business.