Allan Gregg


'''Allan Gregg''' (born 1952) is a Canadian pollster, political advisor, and pundit. Gregg has long been involved in Canadian politics, but decided to travel south of the border to work with master Republican pollster Richard Wirthlin and learned much from him. He then returned to Canada in the late 1970s. He first came to national attention as the national campaign secretary of Joe Clark's successful effort in the 1979 Canadian election. Soon after that campaign Gregg founded Decima Research a joint polling/public relations firm. The company became the Tory party's polling firm, and Gregg played an important role in the 1984 election. With the Tory victory Decima research and Gregg entered the halls of power and was frequently at Mulroney's side. Decima and Gregg worked for more than the federal Tories, operating in many provincial elections. An expanded around the world participating in over forty-five elections on three continents. Gregg was an unusual looking figure in Canadian politics, and especially in the Tory party. As his acumen and abilities became unquestioned he adopted a unique style including gold earrings, bright red shoes, long hair, and a great deal of leather clothing. Just as interested in the arts as politics he founded a record label, The Song Corp., and was co-manager of the Tragically Hip. He also served a five year stint as president of the Toronto International Film Festival. He rose to greater prominence in the 1988 Canadian election where he did not only do the polling but also handled communications. Long an advocate for negative campaigning he directed the famed "bridge bombing" attack on Liberal leader John Napier Turner that was designed to break to bridge linking anti-free trade voters to Turner. The offensive was a success, Turner's popularity dropped and the Tories were reelected. He also played an important role in the 1992 Canadian referendum where he crafted the message that the doom of Canada would be the certain result of a "No" vote. Gregg was given even more responsibility in the 1993 Tory election campaign. He was not only senior pollster, but also top strategist and communications manager. Some felt the Gregg should not have participated in the campaign, his wife was battling cancer and his father had just died, but Gregg decided he would work one more election. The 1993 Tory campaign was an unmitigated disaster for all concerned, but especially to Gregg. Other campaign leaders complained that his many duties meant he missed too many meetings. Gregg again pushed for negative tactics, crafting an attack ad that the public saw as attacking Liberal leader Jean Chrétiens facial deformity. The backlash to Greggs ad led to the complete collapse of Tory support. The 1993 election saw the Tories reduced to two seats. After the campaign Gregg left public life for a time. He quit Decima, and sold his share of the company for millions. He cut his hair and turned to a more reserved form of dress. After a year off he founded a new company, The Strategic Counsel, a market research and consulting firm, but one geared towards business rather than politics. He returned to the public eye as a columnist in Maclean's Magazine and a frequent pundit on the CBC news. Gregg, Allan Gregg, Allan Gregg, Allan

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