Richard Frost
Cadbury
’My vote for the best PR operator of the year goes to the much-maligned
Peter Mandelson. If the results of campaigns are the measure of success
then there can be few more ringing endorsements than the landslide
Labour election victory. While clearly the credit for this must be
shared, we must admire Mandelson’s skill in helping to prepare a
credible hymn sheet and then keeping everyone singing from it.’
Adrian Wheeler
GCI
’Best: Jackie Elliot. As chairman of the PRCA she has pushed through the
PRCA Consultancy Management standard, which after 25 years, puts the
PRCA on a professional footing. Worst: Blair, tobacco, Formula 1. What
was even worse than the decision was the condescending way he
’explained’ it on television. That completely shattered my illusion that
this was a different kind of Government.’
Abel Hadden
Edelman PR Worldwide
’What a year of ups and downs - New Labour, that baseball cap, spin
doctors, beef on the bone, Elton John, The Royal Opera House, tobacco
advertising. For me, Earl Spencer and the Spice Girls epitomised the
roller coaster world in which we live. They received high accolades for
their performances earlier in the year, but as we near Christmas their
reputations are beginning to head south.’
Mike Davies
Prudential
’Best of the year is Alastair Campbell for the hitch-free election
campaign and for bringing about the longest honeymoon any Government has
enjoyed in living memory. Worst is Earl Spencer, definitely, for
breaking two golden rules: people in glasshouses should not throw
stones. And, don’t offend men who buy their ink by the gallon.’
Marina Galanti
The Body Shop
’One of the most interesting campaigns has been Christian Aid’s campaign
on ethical shopping. It took ethical shopping into the mainstream and
raised the stakes for retailers across the country to source their
products more ethically. One example of the clumsiest PR was in relation
to the row inside the Tory party on Europe. This made them look
anachronistic, xenophobic and dubious to boot.’
