Politicians start to embrace the web in Ireland
Published January 12th, 2006 in PR in IrelandIt looks like Irish politicians are finally starting to embrace the web, albeit for a variety of reasons. On the one hand, politicians like Liz McManus TD of the Labour Party and Councillor Damien Blake of Fianna Fail both have websites so that they can actively engage with the public. On the other hand, the Internet has imposed a greater degree on accountability on politicians, making it easier for the public to see how their representative has voted on key issues and whether they are following through with their promises.
Simon McGarr wrote about a discussion he had with Damien Blake on a website and a discussion he had with Pronsias De Rossa, a Labour Party MEP who voted in favour of data retention in a recent vote in Europe. The contrast between both conversations highlights how the Internet can play a key role in efficient communication with a widespread audience, whilst also keeping politicians accountable.
Simon is involved with Digital Rights Ireland, so after checking out Councillor Blake’s website, he saw that his district was about to install a CCTV system. He queried him on it through the comments section of his website and Damien clearly explained the local council’s position and how the system would work. It’s a fantastic example of good communication in action. As politicians will typically have a large audience to address, the Internet offers a great medium to communicate efficiently with them.
However, before dipping their town into the water, politicians should remember what they say that ends up online is there forever. This is clearly illustrated by the email conversation Simon had with Pronsias De Rossa about why he voted in favour of a recent data retention vote in Europe. It clearly goes against what De Rossa said earlier to an Irish newspaper as you can see on Simon’s website.
The Internet offers politicians an excellent way to connect with their audience. The sooner they realise this the better. My favourite example of this is John Tobin, a Boston City councilor’s website, which was recently highlighted in a BBC article:
Councillor Tobin reports and shows his voters the positive and negative about their community. He shows them the new mural or neighbourhood graffiti problems. He returns to areas for updates where action has been taken to make something better.
As someone involved in the communications industry, I would have no hesitation recommending following the example of Liz McManus and Damien Blake, although Damien really should enabled comments on his website. The discussion he had with Simon highlights that.
Technorati Tags: Blogging, Blogs, Damien Blake, Fianna Fail, Labour Party, Liz McManus, Piaras Kelly, PR, Public Relations, Tuppenceworth, Simon McGarr
Search
Categories
- Books (4)
- Buzz (7)
- E-PR (209)
- General (323)
- Ideas (9)
- Personal (107)
- PR in Ireland (145)
- Resources (12)
- Technology & PR (7)
Archives
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- May 2006
- April 2006
- March 2006
- February 2006
- January 2006
- December 2005
- November 2005
- October 2005
- September 2005
- August 2005
- July 2005
- June 2005
- May 2005
You’ve caught me on the comments! Currently trying to move from Wordpress 1.5 to 2.0 on my testing system, and have comments enabled there. I’ve found the ability to comment on other people’s blogs to be extremely helpful.
I do receive a good level of feedback through email, primarily comments on articles, requests for information or queries about council items. I’ve tried to avoid some of the more blog-focussed items, such as comments and pushing RSS, as most people accessing the site aren’t regular blog readers. I don’t think the word “blog” appears anywhere on the site.
On your point about being careful what you say- well yes, that’s something very important! In this game, people will use anything they can to get at you so leaving things archived and so easily googled is playing with fire. I like to think the trade-off is worth it. I also (being young and idealistic!) think politicians shouldn’t be saying things to anyone that they couldn’t stand by. Anywhere I post, I use my full name, including about 300 posts on the Ogra Fianna Fail discussion board (http://www.ogra.ie/discuss/). While I do include press releases on the website, I keep them off the front page and try to maintain a more non-PR tone in the main posts.
The internet has great power for every industry, and can really help get people engaged in politics again. It just takes the support from the politicians involved.
It is important for politicians to use the internet to communicate but I don’t think it should replace the more personal forms of communication such as clinics, telephone and regular mailings to householders. In my area the only politician that sends a regular newsletter is Dick Roche. He has done this for years even before he became a minister. Of course it’s only giving one side of the story (that of his political party) but nevertheless it’s good to get it.
In a country where less than 40% of the population have internet access and 20% are at risk of poverty, I would question the value of spending too much time speaking to a relatively small section of the population. I would rather my politicians spend more time addressing real issues with real people rather than debating on blogs.
I completely agree that it shouln’t replace their traditional communications channels, I think it should compliment them. I also only have one politician in my newsletter that sends a regular newsletter. The beauty of an electrnic version is that it’s much easier to keep track of thus keeping them more accountable.
I think the best online development in my constituency is the webcasts of local county council meetings. That way you can check out whether your local politicians is telling the truth or not, or even just to get a feel for the guy. It’s a whole lot easier then waiting another couple of years for him to call past your door again!
Most politians ignore their people. The only politian i ever here from is Michael Lowery. He doesn’t a newsletter. But if action needs to be taken on something e.g policing a letter comes in the door. The other 2 both fianna Fail are very quiet.
The internet is a good thing. While only 40% havce internet . It is still 40%. Political bloggin is a good thing. fair play to Damian
Check out this thread on broadband for Damien’s contribution on Slugger:
http://www.sluggerotoole.com/index.php/weblog/comments/northern_ireland_100_broadband/
Clever, generous and useful!
I know it’s been a while since this has come up, but just wanted to leave a quick recap here.
I’ve finally added comments to the site, after a few failed attempts. Most things won’t be of interest to readers here (as it’s almost all Letterkenny-focussed) but I just wanted to respond to the last of Piaras’s points.
Thanks for your kind comments again everyone!