Thursday, 1 February 2007

Senedd-open democracy?


I was wondering if anyone could shed a light on my following question?

How can people contact Assembly Members to speak with them at the Senedd on the day? I know that people can contact their AM via phone or pop in to local offices, but does everyone have to pre- book meetings? Can they green card their representatives on the spot, as in Westminster?

I ask because on many occasions I have been to the Senedd, and it seems that there are hardly any Politicians in the main milling area where the public go before watching Plenary sessions. Because the Senedd is below the public quarters, there isn't an obligation on Members to pass their constituents on the way to the Chamber- therefore avoiding any tricky questions from pressure groups. (Brian Gibbons knows all about this!)

I think that there should be cordoned off, designated areas for AM's to meet with their constituents in the main Senedd building, and perhaps computer pods could be dotted around so that people can email their AM in the Chamber- this would be monitored for obvious reasons!

I think that this would assist in creating a feeling of vibrancy, and a new buzz to the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. There is a need for open democracy, but I don't believe that those who constructed the bricks and mortar of our democracy embraced that challenge as head on as we would have wished. Does anybody agree?

No comments: