Lobbying

However good a lobbyist you are, you are going to lose.  Sometimes, you won’t be able to persuade officials and politicians to back your case. Your client’s case may be politically hopeless,  or your political opponents too strong. You need to be able to cope with loss. It’s part of your work. Even when you … Read more

  One of the professional pleasures as a lobbyist  is to help guide a client  to understand an issue. After they utter, “Now, I get it”  they often  follow up  “Why do I now understand it, so and so make it seem really complicated” My answer goes along the following lines. Bluffing works. It’s easier … Read more

The Stoics emphasise the need for detachment. You should look at things as they are, and focus on the things that are only within your control. The Jesuits embrace a similar ideal: “We must make ourselves indifferent to all created things, as far as we are allowed… Consequently…we should not prefer health to sickness, riches to poverty, honor … Read more

Over the last few years, I have posted some blog posts about lobbying and campaigning.  They are in well-worn areas: fisheries, environment and secondary legislation.  I blog for one simple reason.  If I want to better understand an issue, the best way I know to do it is by writing. I find it easier to think … Read more