![]() ![]() I want new TDs to publish a progress report measuring how they're putting specific policies to work, at least twice yearly. So now is the time to identify what change means, whether on optical measures such as abolishing the Seanad/downsizing the Dail or structural shifts such as the public service pay hierarchy. Politicians will swear they want 'change' and 'reform' but they'll long-finger it once they're in power. Keep your elected representatives and your public service under sustained pressure to deliver. One policy idea takes approximately five years to become reality, so let's not expect loaves-and-fishes miracles within months on every front.īut let's require immediate action on the legal and structural obstacles that have done this democracy down, with referendums as necessary. ![]() Think like an activist because reform starts here Where do they want Ireland to be in five years' time? Take care in the company of dissenters who rush to suffocate you with the depressing state of the country and the political system. Decide whether you want to get mad or get even. Decide in advance what you want to discuss, knowing that their answers are already prepared. And it's worthwhile, because for every 12 doorsteps canvassed, at least one vote will be won somewhere on the sheet. Mixed areas see most canvassers, because of floating voters. If you've lived at the same address for a while, they have data on how your street or neighbourhood votes. However objectively you try to take them, realise that all politicians want to connect with you individually - and be cautious about image, remembering that personal appeal was Bertie Ahern's key to success.Ĭanvassers are trained to be courteous and empathic, although it's not guaranteed. ![]() FF brought in people from Blue State Digital, Obama's winning team, to make them more cyber friendly. You'll be bombarded with skilled propaganda, from TV and Facebook to the Twitter-verse and the blogosphere.Įvery candidate wants to be your friend. The elegance of Barack Obama's election strategy changed the shape of political canvassing. Insist they meet your standards in terms of qualifications, commitment and ability to stay on track. The parties are in listening mode - for now. Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan's exclusive take on the day's news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.Įnter email address This field is required Sign Up If they promise the possible, insist on details and timescale. If someone promises the impossible, don't believe them. Humans can be bought off by sincere-sounding promises, such as cheap credit, 100% mortgages, positive equity, lowering taxes, protecting the vulnerable and the like. Leave local stuff to local councillors so the big picture won't get lost. Rank your priorities and tally them with the candidates' answers before election day. What do you want? Yes, the core issue is the economy, but the system has to change. Make each candidate and party work for your vote, in the knowledge that campaign time is when they'll listen. You can shape the next Dail's personality by voting for people and policies you value. Pundits tell you it's going to be a Fine Gael/Labour coalition and the best you can do is influence the balance.
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