Well another historic Election day is about to end and with it the passing of a coalition govenment. Amid the tears of the (mostly Lib Dem) MPs is a wave of relief from national journalists as the work of the past few months has come an end and they can enjoy the beloved pastime of joining Farage in the pub.
Here at Clareville we have summarised the top 6 Election PR observations, for future reference…
1. Making sure that every candidate is media trained and sticks to the script. Here are some of our fave UKIP quotes, which no doubt caused headaches for the press officers responsible for damage limitations:
“Most Nigerians are generally bad people… I grew up in Africa and dare anyone to prove me wrong.
Andre Lampitt. UKIP
“islam is a cancer that needs eradicating multi- culturism does not work in this country, clear them all off to the desert with their camals that’s their way of life.”
Ken Chapman. UKIP
“Well, I reckon dogs are more intelligent, better company and certainly better behaved than most Muslims.”
Joseph Quirk. UKIP
“If he is [elected] I will personally put a bullet in him. I won’t have this f***r as our prime minister. I alsolutely loathe him”
Robert Blay UKIP (formerly conservative)
3. Being careful of photo ops – even bacon sarnies have their peril…didn’t stop the #milibae and #milifandom though, Labour just need to wait til their famdom are old enough to vote…5 years might do it (just).
5. Stay in control of social media, take media training into the digital arena – a friendly ex-drugaddict/anarchist popping round to your house can help. We wouldn’t advise reading negative tweets about yourself to Heat magazine though. http://www.heatworld.com/2015/05/nick-clegg-reading-mean-tweets-about-himself-is-pretty-darn-funny
4. If you’re ever going into a coalition make sure that you are going to benefit from it and not destroy your party by going into it.
5. No matter who they are (Nicola or Teresa) if you are a female MP you will never get away from the “What was she wearing” pages. If you are the wife of a politician what you wear is all that matters. Big up feminism!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3073343/Samantha-Cameron-takes-style-vote-Preen-dress.html
6. Losing and resigning with dignity (preferably smiling, and not looking like you have been crying….ahem….Nick)
