Welsh Blog Round Up, General Election Week 1

Do candidates invest their time wisely by using online media during an election?

There may have been some minor errors on some of them – and thanks for pointing these out – but the intention is to provide a platform for localised comment and analysis. While we’re no BBC Wales, which has unveiled a comprehensive localised service this week, we hope to add something during the campaign. Some of the comments left on these constituency profiles have offered a local flavour which has gone beyond the purely party political and that has been good.

After all, the dullest side of social media during the election so far has been the cut and paste approach of every candidate telling you that they’ve got all their leaflets out/picking up more support than ever/finding their message is getting through (delete as appropriate). We’ve had nothing as colourful as this former candidate in Scotland! Certainly David Jones is alert to the dangers.

Nevertheless, there have been some interesting blog posts which have tickled my fancy this week, especially those which have gone past the obvious. Thus Peter Black’s attack on Labour in Swansea West worked for me because it demonstrated what happens if you don’t maintain your online presence… Similarly, those of you who understand Welsh will have enjoyed Vaughan Roderick’s piece on ‘Whispers‘. Let’s hope he keeps discretely gossiping with us.

Meanwhile his colleague Betsan Powys takes a UK story and gives it a nice Welsh flavour when she examines the suggestion by Transport Minister Lord Adonis that Lib Dems and Labour might tactically vote for one another. As she reminds us, Peter Hain got there first – even if his election literature has not found favour with Bethan Jenkins.

A good example of localised impact comes from the Druid of Anglesey, one of my regular reads, who posted an interesting take on the value of a vote in his constituency. With Ynys Mon being one of the most marginal seats in Wales, it is worth keeping an eye on him during this campaign. It’s a fresh new blog with a clear perspective and something to say.

First prize for creative effort must go to Heledd Fychan, the Plaid candidate in Montgomeryshire, who has used her Pendroni blog to maximum effect this week with a series of video blog posts based on specific questions and issues. It certainly makes her stand out. When the history of the use social media in this election is written, Heledd’s approach may well be written up as the classic one of a candidate with little hope of winning using the web to promote themselves and provide a take on key issues which people can access in their own way. I might even send her a question as to whether she agrees all this online effort is having an impact…

In contrast Glyn Davies, who contests the same seat, has gone ultra quiet on his blog. His take on the value of online media during the campaign is evidently less enthusiastic. Come back Glyn!

For a Labour take on proceedings, Paul Flynn MP delivers in spades. The veteran MP for Newport West is fighting his first close election since he first won the seat from the Conservatives in 1987, and the tension is apparent on his blog. His takes on insubstantial politics and poll data are worth a read.

Election times are always about debate and one of the most bitter this week took place between economist Dylan Jones-Evans and the ever dependable Welsh Ramblings. They rowed over the nature of the report on possible public sector cuts produced by the Institute of Directors and the Taxpayers Alliance. Those without a delicate disposition should read it.

Though not everyone will enjoy the General Election online in Wales, but we’re determined to keep reading.