As the General Election 2002 draws closer, Sineád Crowley investigates the new phenomenon of election canvassing on the internet.

Many candidates are now using the internet to communicate their campaign information to the public.

This report features websites from Kerry Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae, the Socialist Party, the Independent Health Alliance, the Green Party, Sinn Féin, the Progressive Democrats, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour, 

Chris Tilley from RTÉ Online says

The web is here to stay and politicians can use it as much as anyone else... This is a great way to reach people.

Tilley also acknowledges the growing importance of message boards and forums 

Individual candidates have also begun to use the internet recognising the value of e-canvassing.

An RTÉ News report by Sinéad Crowley broadcast on 9 May 2002.