The forthcoming Fianna Fáil assembly for Galway West is going to see the Captain of Love vie for a place in the impending election. The combination of celebrity charisma and party loyalty could potentially be a rewarding mix. After all, how can one resist the charm of the Captain of Love?
Gráinne Seoige, known for her work as a television host and a previous news presenter, may not have any political office experience, but being in a responsible position isn’t confined to politics. As the current captain on a bilingual Virgin Media Television show reminiscent of Love Island, she manages multiple contestants in the Love House. It might not be conventional political training, but its usefulness cannot be dismissed offhand.
Now that Seoige has shifted her attention to political pursuits, it could potentially disrupt the third season of Grá ar an Trá. It is another example of the growing trend of broadcasters and political parties forming alliances, a phenomenon observed globally.
Fianna Fáil may not have pioneered this line of play, but certainly, they have embraced it wholeheartedly. Empowered by the elevation of ex-broadcaster of RTÉ and Eurovision host Cynthia Ni Mhurchú to MEP, the party has chosen Alison Comyn, a former news presenter for multiple channels, as a candidate in Louth.
As this trend picks up, others might be considering a pivot too. What about Dáithí Ó Sé? For now, the native of Kerry has dismissed the idea. However, he hasn’t completely dismissed a future bid, a statement that led Michael Healy-Rae to suggest he should run for election in Galway, where Ó Sé currently resides, recommending him to keep distance from Kerry.
Recently, videos of Ed Balls, the ex-UK shadow chancellor, have circulated widely online. Notably, he was given the opportunity to interview home secretary and his wife, Yvette Cooper, during a regular Good Morning Britain appearance. These clips highlight the frequent shortcomings encountered when switching careers.
On a similar note, the possibility of Stephen Donnelly and Norma Foley presenting the Rose of Tralee is not unimaginable, though no one is clamouring for it. It is clear how political parties might consider ex-broadcasters and broadcasters as valuable assets.
When elections swing around, lampposts across the country will be decorated with unfamiliar faces and those slightly less unknown but seeking re-election. Having recognisable names and faces with a touch of glamour could tip the scales in favour of a particular candidate. However, it is paramount to highlight that the people employed in the public limelight are not just any random individuals. They possess skills that can be utilised elsewhere.
Broadcaster professionals, having spent their budding years under the rigorous practice of live television, have honed the ability to command authority while connecting with people on a personal level. They have learnt how to exude capability and compassion at once. These individuals do not require media training to perform, and there is no reason they will not excel if elected. Facing job insecurity, competitive work environments, and frequent internet negative comments deter many “ordinary” individuals from stepping forward. For television hosts, they are used to these challenges.
It is hard to envision personalities like Comyn or Seoige, both popular, being deterred by the harsh reality of parliamentary politics given their experiences as women in the spotlight. If politicians with only one issue to address can find a place in the Dáil, it should also be possible to accommodate those who wish to represent broader concerns. Journalists typically have a broad range of knowledge, which leads some to imagine themselves as useful in a trivia contest, whilst others fantasise about making a significant change.
In this era where influencers and YouTubers are dominating, the term “broadcaster” seems somewhat antiquated. New faces are seemingly ever-present, keen to engage with voters, a trend that could be rooted in the uncertainty of a lifelong career in broadcasting.
Both politics and media itself have been moulded by the same progressive forces. In the past, newscasters aimed to be lucid, succinct and slightly aloof, while politicians fine-tuned their ability to dodge and blur.
Today, however, we are living in the era of the candid self-recording. Traditional interviews, debates and a variety of intense questionings remain significant in determining election results, but they are not the only methods to deliver a message of trustworthiness. With the advent of social media, the skills required for politicians and broadcasters have become increasingly intertwined. If I were a longstanding politician, I would advocate for substantial public media funding to deter broadcasters from ambitious relocations and potential candidature for presidency.
At this rate, we will likely continue to see an upward trend in interactions between these two spheres, with more politicians experimenting in the media landscape and more broadcasters boldly vying for their positions. As long as everyone refrains from ventures in Kerry, all should be well.