Lobbying Government A case Study

1. "If you go to one demonstration and then go home, that's something, but the people in power can live with that. What they can't live with is sustained pressure that keeps building, organisations that keep doing things, people that keep learning lessons from the last time and doing better the next time." - Noam Chomsky

2. Lobbying GovernmentA case Study CAMPAIGNING FOR AFFORDABLE, UNMETERED AND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS IN IRELAND

3. Objectives • Universal flat rate (unmetered) access to the internet for all users. • Complete Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) by Eircom. • Universal access to broadband services for all users.

4. Strategy • Making the general public aware of the reality that the level of internet access development in Ireland is already far behind other countries and is continuing to lose ground. • Lobbying the government to provide the appropriate legislative and economic environment to encourage development to move forward much more rapidly. • Pressurising the ODTR to accelerate implementation of the regulations and timetables already set out by them. encouraging the ISP's to implement packages that will make internet access more available to more people.

5. Lobbying and Meetings • European Government Officials: • Irish Government Officials: • Meeting with Minister Ahern, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources • Irish telecom service providers • Lobby groups: • User groups:

6. “Ireland toddles in 51st for Broadband access in a new report by the World Economic Forum”, In a new report by the World Economic Forum, Ireland is ranked 51st behind Namibia, Peru, Nicaragua, Botswana, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guatamala, Brazil and Romania.   International Comparisons

7. Direct Lobbying of Political Parties • Fianna FáilFine GaelIndependentLabourThe Progressive Democrats

8. Minister Ahern determined to drive broadband take-up. • “Over the next twelve months I want to kill one myth – that this country cannot support profitable broadband – because it can. My message is simple - cut prices - you’ll bring in volume - you’ll make money.” • Minister for Communication, Marine and Natural Resources Dermot • February 2003. The Minister’s Response Ahern.

9. The Lobbying Campaign Continues • IrelandOffline have been invited to address a group of TD's in the Dáil chamber on 22nd of October. • Ireland Offline will be making a presentation on the day. • A lively and informal interaction between TD’s and the speakers usually ensues after the presentations.

10. Lobbying the Irish Body Politic • Dail Questions: Written and Oral • Delegation to Minister/TD (in the Dail) • Submission to Oireachtas Committees • Seanad • MEPS • Petitions

11. Ways to Influence Government • Letters, phone calls, websites, formal meetings, informal meetings, special events, other (opposition) legislators who already support the cause, writing opinion pieces for the newspapers, radio or TV interviews

12. Art. in newspapers Opinion columns Radio/TV interviews Phone ins Media Briefings Letters to newspapers Personal Touch Visits to clinics Orchestrated mail Phone calls Campaign slogans Logos Stand for election Lobbying Tactics

13. Protests and Activisim • Public demonstrations/pickets • Public Meetings/Guest Speakers • Petitions • Campaign material • Internet/E-mail • Form alliances

14. Using Facts • Legislative Research (PQS) • Independent social/economic research papers • Election manifestos/promises • Commission own research

15. Lobbying –Be Prepared • Be well prepared • review government structure, the legislative process • Target the proper legislature • make an appointment a few weeks in advance • know the issue well, keep track of where it is in the legislative process • know your opponents arguments: try to predict any opposition to your cause and identify why it exists • personalise the issue – let the legislator know how and why this effects you and your community/industry. • prepare some background information for the legislator on your issue • gather the support of other like-minded organisations • meet with your colleagues before meeting with legislators to ensure you work out any differences

16. Lobbying- Be Precise • Be precise • focus on one or two key issues • stick to the point • decide what you would like the legislator to do and work toward that goal (i.e. – support legislation in committee, issue a press statement, push for support of other legislators, or simply not publicly oppose your cause)

17. Lobbying – Be Professional • Be professional • arrive on time • introduce yourself and your group • keep off the record comments confidential • evaluate the issues – maintain a balanced approach • if you make a promise stick to it • Be polite • be a good listener – even if you disagree, thank the legislator

18. Lobbying – Be Patient and Perservere • Persevere: • Lobbying/advocacy is a long-term process. It is essential to follow up! • Call back – be prepared to follow up on phone calls or to make several calls before being connected to the proper office • Keep track of the issue • Decide on your next action and follow through

19. Lobbying - Networking • Networking • Identifying Allies: who in the community/industry shares common interests • who is active and in what way • who is opposed to your interests • Identifying Government Officials (IPA Year Book) • Councillors and Co Council Committees • TDS • Senators • MEPS • Dail Committees

20. And Finally Lobbying Rules • Be courteous and polite • Don't be aggressive • Know the issue • Explain clearly what you want and why • Be aware of what stage the piece of legislation is at.