I have links with the professional engineering society in Ireland,and they periodically advise the Irish government. on what in our opinion is sensible policy. We publish annual position papers and ensure that the relevent Minister gets a copy.This is lobbying,but without it the Government would be making even worse decisions. I don't think that those actions are corrupt. The key point is whether these meeting are in secret or otherwise.
No doubt there are honest groups, that submit learned advice, and the way you describe the process is a million miles away from much of what takes place where money changes hands , or sweetener deals are offered, and how can you justify Big Tory donors like the friends of Israel who also act as a lobby group?
Or their major donors financing them with Russian money? they will be lobbying for something in return
sorry I'm not buying this, if the Government needs advice it can employ consultants that IT chooses, not be advised by groups with an agenda that try to influence it using bringing any kind of blackmail and enticement their furtive imaginations can cook up
The level of influence a lobbyist has over the legislative process is often proportional to the resources—time and money—the lobbyist can spend to achieve its legislative goal. Some people think lobbyists in general have too much power.
I am definitely one of those people
the Government theoretically works for us and us alone, not any ten a penny bought and sold pressure group.
Lobbying originally was supposed to be individuals hanging around in the lobby of the house of commons to air their individual grievances as the are entitled to
Not for protection racketeers to bribe to Government for favours that are unlikely to be in the public interest
