Monday, January 23, 2017

TD using Facebook for real-time Q&A

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon will be holding a live Q&A session on his Facebook page tomorrow evening, Tuesday, at 6.30pm, writes Brian Byrne.

In a novel way of dealing directly with constituents' queries, the Deputy is asking anyone with a question to post it on the comments section of his page, and he will engage in dialogue with the questioner during the session.

"People have changed how they receive updates and information and we, as public representatives need to adapt to ensure that we are available and accessible in a manner that suits our audience," he says. "The more traditional means of communication such as clinics in my office and around the constituency, email, phone calls and calling to my office are still in place and suit many people, but I want to make sure that I am as available as possible."

Using Facebook Live in this way allows people to ask a question and receive a response straight away. Deputy Heydon says the questions can be on any issue, local or national.