Fianna Fáil look to Obama election lessons

Fianna Fáil may borrow some of the hi-tech campaign tricks of US president-elect Barack Obama in the local and European elections next year, Government Minister Micheal Martin said today.

Mr Obama used mobile phones, email and networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace to target young voters.

He also broadcast campaign ads with catchy slogans and upbeat soundtracks which helped draw millions of US dollars in online donations.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Martin, who was Fianna Fáil’s director of elections for the Lisbon Treaty referendum, said Mr Obama’s election techniques will be studied by political parties all over the world.

“The phenomenal organisation behind his campaign was breathtaking, not just in the presidential race, but in the primaries as well,” Mr Martin said.

“He created a very strong organisational movement that propelled him to victory.

“He raised extraordinary funds and he was very good on the communications front, in terms of the web and new technologies.”

Mr Obama also used business networking site LinkedIn to target company executives and older voters.

Campaign aides also utilised online questionnaires and computer software programs to canvass floating voters to support the Democrats.

Mr Martin added: “Political parties around the world will be acutely studying the Obama phenomenon in terms of political and electoral organisation and will hope to draw lessons from it for future campaigns.”

Mr Martin also said that an invitation will be sent soon to Mr Obama to visit Ireland and his ancestral home in Co Offaly.

“That will happen in due course. We don’t do anything in advance of the election, and we’re only a few hours fresh.

“We will be in contact with the new administration.”

The Cork TD also said the Democrat’s election was inspirational when you think about the challenges in his early life.

“I think that says a lot to young people all over the world that irrespective of your background or the challenges in your live, you can achieve great things.

“At the most basic level, that is what the election teaches me and should serve as an inspiration to young people.”