Party eyes past PR guru Mara to lead campaign
Weekend reports suggested the famed strategist, who has sparked fear and respect in equal measure across the political divide, was the subject of discussions among senior members of the opposition party in recent weeks over how to increase votes before the likely election in 2016.
The possibility has been put forward by the internal party ‘Futures’ group, drawn from Fianna Fáil TDs and the wider organisation, which believes Mr Mara’s return is vital to increasing Dáil seats in Dublin and to take full advantage of any coalition slip-up over the coming months.
However, while it is understood party leader Micheál Martin has been told the plan needs to be considered, Fianna Fáil officials declined to comment on the matter last night. Mr Mara was also unavailable for comment.
Best known for his close association with ex-taoiseach, the late Charlie Haughey and an ability to front highly successful election campaigns, Mr Mara has been central to Fianna Fáil strategy for over 30 years.
A two-time senator — on both occasions he was nominated by Mr Haughey — the 72-year-old was government press secretary from 1987 to 1992, and Fianna Fáil’s director of elections in the 1997, 2002 and 2007 general elections.
The spin doctor officially left politics seven years ago and is now on the board of Digicel, the company set up by media owner Denis O’Brien to build mobile phone networks in the Caribbean.
“Bringing PJ on board is being talked about at the highest levels and moves are being made,” said a Fianna Fáil official familiar with plans for Mr Mara’s possible return said at the weekend.
“It has been made clear to Micheál Martin that we need to have PJ Mara on board.
“Dublin is where we have to get a footprint. If there was an election now, Fianna Fáil would only be guaranteed three seats. We need PJ Mara in the city,” the official said.
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