The introduction argues that politics and political communication in Ireland have become more far more sharply contested with established media and newer communication technologies playing increasingly central roles. At such a critical juncture, it is appropriate to examine how the relationship between politics, journalism and the public is configured. What constitutes political communication? How does it operate during and between electoral contests? What form does it take at national and local level? What factors influence whether or not a party's message is effective? How has political journalism developed over the decades? What is the role played by government appointed press officers? How much do they cost and do they operate in a transparent manner? How do the media cover the relationship between big business and politics? Are political parties too close to vested interests who communicate through extensive and expensive lobbying? How do broadcasters handle coverage of elections and referenda? What is the role and impact of party political broadcasts? Have social media radically altered the political landscape? Do the media frame election contests as policy or personality contests? In different ways and from a multitude of critical perspectives, these are the questions that this book seeks answers to.
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