Communications expert on the PR of presidential elections - 'The media are going to find out things about you that you had forgotten'
Briefly

Communications expert on the PR of presidential elections - 'The media are going to find out things about you that you had forgotten'
"Tony O'Brien says Fianna Fáil believed the 'glitter' from Jim Gavin's career would be enough A leading communications expert has said that Jim Gavin was a lamb put to slaughter by Fianna Fáil and that his experience will make future potential candidates outside of the political bubble reluctant to put their name on the ballot."
"From the Faythe in Wexford Town, Tony O'Brien began his media career with the Wexford People, before moving to the Irish Independent where he became the group's first Environment Correspondent."
Fianna Fáil relied on the 'glitter' of Jim Gavin's sporting career as a principal asset. That reliance culminated in severe public criticism and a depiction of Gavin as a lamb put to slaughter. The political fallout is likely to deter future potential candidates who lack entrenched party experience. The episode underscores reputational risks when parties prioritise celebrity appeal over political preparedness. The trajectory of Gavin's involvement illustrates how high-profile non-politicians can be exposed and damaged by partisan electoral contests, reducing the appeal of outside candidates for future races.
Read at Independent
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