CLOSE relationships between supervisors and their agents in the insurance and property industry could make it easier for candidates to solicit support in the eighth of the nine new functional constituencies.
Kevin Wong Kam-fai, former vice-president of Life Underwriters' Association, said that managers or supervisors in the insurance industry have considerable influence over the agents who work for them.
'Many agents were brought in and trained by the supervisors,' Mr Wong said.
'Their views would largely be shaped by their seniors.
'They call their supervisors 'big brother' or even father or mother,' he said.
'If supervisors support a particular candidate, his agents are likely to follow.' He said that candidates would stand a better chance if they were endorsed by influential supervisors in the industry.