H ow to work with political elites….. …and not want to kick something

1. Karen Ross Communication & Media March 2012 How to work with political elites…..…and not want to kick something

2. Research must be more than *just* academic provenance body of work academy, community, politics, action, ethics

3. (circa 1993)

4. …the first time ever I saw your face….. • 1994 Labour leadership / European elections Mr Blair is a man of rare ability. Rarer still in modern politics, he has an unblemished reputation for honesty and integrity that commands the respect even of his most committed opponents… he is happily married to fellow-barrister Cherie Booth…and they have three children…Blair is a devoted and active father…committed to family values. (Daily Mail, 13.5.94) Deputy leader Margaret Beckett, 51, has the task of leading Labour through the European elections [although] most Labour MPs admit she has been a disaster…and has even been ridiculed for her lack of fashion sense…Smith didn’t look like the man to lead Britain…particularly with that gargoyle Margaret Beckett in tow. (Sun, 13.5.94)

5. body of work…… 1994 – first newspaper analysis 1995 (2000, 2005, 2009) - GMMP 1996 – began series of interviews with women parliamentarians Westminster (1996, 2001, 2006) Australia (1998) South Africa (1999) Northern Ireland (2002, 2003, 2006) 1997 (2001, 2005, 2010)– news analysis - Westminster elections: women and news 2000-2005 – interviews with women journalists 2003 – news analysis + documentary - NI Assembly elections 2004 – news analysis - European Elections 2007, 2009– interviews with women and men parliamentarians, New Zealand 2011 – politicians use of Facebook – New Zealand

6. a few things I’ve learnt about working with political elites • it’s not what you do so much as how you do it and how you think about how you do it • the primary instrument is standard (ie interview) • but your approach to shaping a study which includes politicians (or political journalists for that matter) has to take account of the particularities of a political life

7. some of the things you need to BE…in no particular order • Tenacious • keep at it, reminders, follow-ups, often • what’s in it for them? offer of help • Flexible • agree to (more or less) anything, anytime, any distance, any place

8. Chris TremainChief Whip, National Party • Facebook

9. The things you need to BE(in no particular order) • Tenacious • keep at it, reminders, follow-ups, often • what’s in it for them? Offer of help • Flexible • agree to (more or less) anything, anytime, any distance, any place • grasp opportunities, wherever they are • creative in the face of disaster • Thorough • Check facts, regularly, stuff changes

10. The things you need to BE(in no particular order)…./2 • Audacious • They can always say no • Confident (security) • Poker face • They will always surprise you (May, Woolerton)

11. Theresa May, feminist?

12. Woolerton’s wise words…. Doug Woolerton, former President of New Zealand First, Stood down at the 2008 elections, now provides lobbying services as a ‘political consultant’

13. The things you need to BE(in no particular order)…./2 • Audacious • they can always say no • confident (security) • Poker face • they will always surprise you (Woolerton, May) • Humble • know your place/expect to be interrupted/Twitter/phone calls/meetings • bring work with you • Discreet • Ethical – see later

14. …some things you need to DO • plan in advance, a lot in advance • get written (email) agreement and follow-up: diaries change but most politicians will honour an agreement • homework – ABSOLUTELY MUST DO • Debates in the House (public gallery)/observation, behaviour, who said what, quote back, show you care/are interested/know things about them • Hansard

15. more things you need to DO • check equipment/compatibility • dress code • recognise (and use?) personal attributes • get admin/Library staff on side • get security clearance/Speaker’s Office • keep all security docs/passes with you, always • have name and number of the next interviewee and PA to hand • check distances between interview sites…build in slippage/getting lost/eating

16. the ethical researcher • Being ethical is always our goal but when working with public figures, even more important • written/verbal consent • provide recording of interview (if you can) • provide draft of any written work which includes an attribution (anon if not) • send copy of final written work

17. the thin blue(/red) ethical line…. • representing all views without bias/value judgements • achieving rapport • personal disclosure • how much involvement is *acceptable* ?

19. the thin blue(/red) ethical line…. • representing all views without bias/value judgements • achieving rapport • personal disclosure • how much involvement is *acceptable* ? • black ops

20. Back Benches

21. research serendipity • who you meet (Tim, Grant, Phil) • right place, right time (Steve, Auckland, Labour Rally, Clare)

23. the wonderfulness of it all! • you in/and your research • the personal is political is personal • making a difference? – the IMPACT factor • New Zealand Labour Party

26. fun!