'Campaign school’ for female politicians continuing in Athlone

 

A three-day course designed to teach political skills to women hoping to run for election is continuing today in Athlone’s Radisson Blu Hotel. 
The course, billed as 'Ireland’s first political campaign school’ was organised by a group called Women For Election, and received funding from the US state department.
Twenty attendees, including representatives from all of the main political parties as well as some Independents, paid €1,250 for the course and for food and lodging over the three days.
Scheduled speakers at the event included PR consultant Terry Prone, former Fine Gael director of elections Frank Flannery and Australian politician Rachel Nolan.
Promotional material for the course stated that it was “highly practical and aims to ensure that you are equipped with the key tools and techniques to be the best candidate you can be.”
Topics due to be covered included: Fundraising, Budgeting, Governance and Finance, Communications, Messaging and Public Speaking,Women and Power, Media, and Campaign Management Strategy.
Women for Election is a non-profit group which aims to involve more women in Irish politics. It was among 55 winners selected from 650 contenders for US funding to set up the course.