Strong campaign teams crucial to presidential hopefuls

BEHIND an energetic and controlled election campaign bid sits an eclectic mix of advisers, PR gurus, party grandees as well as media strategists.

This election contest is no different. Some of the candidates’ bids were slow to get off the ground. Others have only got into gear in recent days as the nomination deadline loomed.

But over the coming days and weeks as crises erupt and mini-fires are sparked over burning controversies, the strength and professionalism of these backroom teams will be crucial for each of the seven candidates.

Among the mud throwing, leaks and counter campaigns, every angle will need to be considered as presidential hopefuls are scrutinised and grilled at events.

The campaign teams for this election are a colourful mix. Some professionals have changed political saddles so to speak and dropped previous affiliations.

Others are close family members, friends and partners of the runners.

The spread of those working with David Norris is a bit like the senator himself, full of contrasts and history.

Bertie Ahern’s former campaign trail manager, Maurice O’Donoghue, was recently drafted into the campaign and knows the route well, having worked on President Mary McAleese’s previous bid.

The team also includes independent PR manager, Paul Allen, adviser to former taoisigh and a Fianna Fáil activist who has a talent for dealing with crises. Norris has certainly needed him in recent days with the issue of more clemency letters being raised frequently.

Election campaigns can also make or break careers. Some political stalwarts have re-entered the ring for this presidential race.

Independent Sean Gallagher has hired veteran adviser Richard Moore, a familiar figure in media circles having worked side-by-side with FF’s Dermot Ahern for 10 years.

Labour’s Tony Heffernan has also come out of retirement to help lead Michael D Higgins’s bid.

Gallagher, despite trying to distance himself from FF, also has a former party press officer as well as a party activist working for him.

Other teams are being run like army units or close family affairs, as is evident with the involvement of political heavyweights backing Gay Mitchell and Michael D Higgins or the relatives campaigning for Dana.

And while some election team officials are cautious about being thrust into the limelight, we can expect them to be anything but shy as the campaign pace picks up over the coming weeks.