Candidates in the upcoming general election can use social media to connect with voters. But are they having an impact?
For the first time in an Irish general election, candidates can use social media platforms to make an impression and get their message to voters. How can social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube have an influence on voters?
Dr Ciarán McMahon explains that social media platforms like Twitter bring the connection between voters and politicians a lot closer together. Social media has become an important part of this general election campaign. Catherine O'Halloran, political correspondent with The Star, has seen how candidates, party workers, voters and journalists are using social media during this election campaign. The platforms provide some feedback from voters and allow candidates to see what others are saying about them.
Dr Ciarán McMahon outlines the feeling of a direct connection that Twitter provides. While political blogger Suzy Byrne has created lists to track what candidates have been tweeting. She observes how they use the platform to get seen, to make a connection with journalists and to answer questions from voters.
David Cochrane of Politics.ie says social media platforms offer politicians a means to directly express their own views.
What is very different about Twitter from a press release is that it is not mediated.
Simon Coveney used Twitter the previous September to comment on an appearance on 'Morning Ireland' by the Taoiseach Bran Cowen. David Cochrane believes this tweet legitimised mainstream discussion that had been taking place on social media during the broadcast.
Politicians are still learning the etiquette and rules of behaviour when using social media. Dr Ciarán McMahon sees the crucial thing to understand about,
Twitter and social media in general is that it gives you access to the person's thinking.
Although social media platforms will have an influence on this election campaign, it is unlikely to replace the traditional door to door canvass. Suzy Byrne thinks people will use the internet and social media to express what they are observing and experiencing during the campaign.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 February 2011. The presenter is Bryan Dobson and the reporter is Sinéad Crowley.
