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 on paper. There is something about seeing the words on the laptop screen that shows if you understand something or not.
Along the way, I have met some people who find the postings useful. So, over the next few months, I am going to gut/edit a series of posts into a PDF. The rough notes are below.
case studies update rough notes-compressed
This will look at the following ideas:
- The skills you need as a lobbyist;
- How to be a good and a bad lobbyist;
- A primer to better regulation – the Commission’s Rule Book;
- How to influence the development of legislation and policy;
- How to influence the adoption of legislation and policy;
- How the Commission adopts policy and proposals;
- Dealing with the ordinary legislative process;
- Dealing with the secondary legislative process;
- A number of case studies and flight plans focused around chemical legislation.
The posts often case studies. They are meant to be practical notes, looking at what’s worked well and what has not worked well. At my age, I try to look at things objectively. I use what works and drop it if it does not. The tone of the posts is meant to be sober.
I have been a lobbyist and campaigner for more than 25 years. Some people even remember me from my radical days! The advantage of time is that I see very familiar patterns repeating themselves. What many think is a unique case, that deserves a ‘be-spoke’ solution or approach, is on reflection similar to, if not identical to, countless other examples. You’ll see many familiar patterns repeating themselves. Those patterns repeat themselves from issue to issue and from one Parliament and Commission to the next.
If there is anything you’d like to be considered, let me know (email: aaronmcloughlin@mac.com).
The rough draft is here.