Businessman's former ties to Fianna Fáil and controversies around political donations undermined Seán Gallagher's presidential bid in 2011. A televised 'tug of the braces' incident on the final weekend amplified the controversy and helped Michael D. Higgins secure victory. Stories and allegations swirled around Gallagher during a frenetic closing weekend. Higgins felt ready to respond but Labour campaign strategists decided that their candidate should avoid getting embroiled. The strategy focused on keeping Higgins focused on his own merits rather than engaging with the furore. The campaign restraint contributed to Higgins's electoral advantage.
Businessman's former ties to Fianna Fáil and controversies around political donations proved to be his undoing in the 2011 election A tug of the braces played a prime role in Michael D Higgins's presidential victory. On the final weekend of a frenetic 2011 campaign, stories were swirling around his main rival, Seán Gallagher. Higgins was raring to have a go.
But Labour Party campaign strategists had agreed that while someone should have a go, their candidate shouldn't get embroiled in the furore. He needed to stick to his own merits.
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