Partner Article

Tweeting during a meeting: too far, or the dawn of modern democracy? (it?s probably neither)

An argument has broken out within a local authority, because some councillors spend time twittering during a meeting.

This is south Wales reported the story that a council meeting over sterilisation was delayed because of the micro-blogging escapades.

With the democratic process up in smoke and marred with scandal, it’s not the best time to tell the world “Wondering how so much hot air can be generated by so few councilors.” Or is it?

Coun Kinzett argued that it was “absolute nonsense” and that “This is a democratic forum, and these proceedings are open.”

By opening twitter up to Councillors during a meeting, would it be possible for members of the public to chime in with concerns or questions without having to be there?

It raises some deep questions on how to embrace future technology, and how we take democracy forward - although comments like “wot a tw*t” don’t help, again by Coun Kinzett. I’d think twice before voting for someone spelling what with an o.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .