Except "rich people trying to influence politics" is an easy attack line for those that disagree with the changes you are trying to make. Mr Feeney is clearly

Except "rich people trying to influence politics" is an easy attack line for those that disagree with the changes you are trying to make. Mr Feeney is clearly someone who prefers operating out of the limelight, which is the exact opposite of the kind of personality who can use money to drive political change. It also, in a very Carnegie fashion, shows the other way rich people can influence state spending. Offering money if the state does something (usually give money as well) in return. Carnegie used to give money for a town library if the town would pay for it's upkeep, Feeney offers money for universities and tech parks if the state chips in as well. Much better than running a nebulous "I think government should be like this" campaign.