Politics for Dummies - A Beginners Guide

[croppyboy]

Hi, not entirely sure where this topic fits but think it could be interesting.

Entering any other career there is a manual or course of study one could undertake to get up to speed - where would someone learn the rules of the political game - or are there any?!

Everyone has a story of a politican who pulled a stroke to gain credit where none due, to shaft an opponent, to turn a situation to advantage etc. Even on the moral high ground there are certain rules of the game to be followed which any aspirants must follow.

There are certain set pieces that politicans routinely perform.

Some examples I've seen are:
1) Identify a local issue, call a 'public' meeting, usually comprised of own supporters, issue a press release and henceforth be a self-appointed 'spokesman' on that area!
2) Oldest trick in the book is to get inside info re some new development and rush to gain credit for something one had no act or part in!
3) Create blue murder over some shocking future threat (e.g. proposed land development) then take credit for its non-ocurrence when it was never on the cards in the first place..

Must be dozens of strokes perpetuated around the country, around the world. Must be some commonalities across them all.

If nothing else this could be an amusing discussion on some good strokes. At best it could lead to a bibliography of good political writing!

Over to the floor..
_________________
"From wicklow glens to western shores, from donegal to carnsore, where hear the bold atlantic roar, the ancient cry on freedom shore, arise and follow Charlie.."

[daithimac]

Gene Kerigan wrote a book on exactly this topic. its well worth a read

[Clones Road Casual]

Gene Kerigan wrote a book on exactly this topic. its well worth a read

It's really not you know, nothing that Gene Kerrigan writes would be well worth a read.

The paper quality was also somewhat harsh for using it as bog roll, its more natural calling in life

[hughj]

Gene Kerigan wrote a book on exactly this topic. its well worth a read

do you know the name of the book?

[daithimac]

Never Make a Promise You Can't Break: How to Succeed in Irish Politics

[hughj]

thanks, ill look it up.wouldnt mind the relese of another dail spats book was very funny.

[daithimac]

foot in mouth which is in most bookstores now by someone who I can't remember. It would more be about what to avoid doing rather than tips

[hughj]

foot in mouth which is in most bookstores now by someone who I can't remember. It would more be about what to avoid doing rather than tips

Irish political gaffs,i read it, was funny and should be used as a guide,i think it was Shane Collins who wrote it,

[croppyboy]

Well I've just ordered "The 48 rules of Power" by something Greene.. supposed to combine Machiavllei, Sun Szu and all in between into one concise guide!

[ON THE ONE ROAD]

Well I've just ordered "The 48 rules of Power" by something Greene.. supposed to combine Machiavllei, Sun Szu and all in between into one concise guide!

you haven't even learned it of by hard yet and they let you into FF. whats the world coming to.