Labour Pains

Couple of months back, I alluded to a subtle change in how Irish political parties may address the electorate for the upcoming general election.

The Irish Labour Party are first out of the blocks with this - dipping their toe into the digital arena, hoping to inject some much need 'interactivity' into Irish Politics.

Initial response from Irish digitalized audience has... er... been less than positive

I'm sitting on the fence on this attempt by Labour. By this I mean, I want to like it. I feel I should say something positive about this engagement strategy - but really I just can't. It feels false. Contrived. Top down. The idea has something  - but the execution leaves me cold, univolved and Labour feel remote.

Question: why didn't they give ordinary voters video cameras to make their own Quality of Life 'diaries'. I mean, where's the ordinary voters reality? Why isn't the site open to people in a meaningful way. You want to start the debate online than that demands you partner... you don't 'preach'.

Here's a small hint for Labour strategists up on Ely Place - just because you upload what is essentially a campaign broadcast online before you broadcast in the traditional media doesn't change the fact that it still feels, looks, sounds and smells like a campaign broadcast from Pat Rabbitt.

Authenticity in engagement, folks, that's where it's at.