Blogging has been light as I am trying to set up my new website and blog ( with the great help of webs wonder of course). Had I known that today there would be uproar following an email regarding guidelines on AMs websites which are publicly funded, I may just have given up trying to set them up at all! I am now a little unclear as to what I can and can't put up on my website, and whether or not being 'political' will be detrimental to my being able to show what work I do at the Assembly on said website! Hmmm
I had actually intended to keep my blog and website separate, but I know that some AMs incorporate both. I suspect that there will be wider discussion on this via the Assembly's commission, as it has created some uproar amongst Assembly Members ( or those of us who actually use websites and blogs on a regular basis, at least) If there is consultation with AMs then this will create some clarity on the issue, at least. It was the fact that most of us didn't know anything about what the guidelines were, or where they had come from that was the main issue. Many press releases that we write as AMs are political, and either attack other political parties or make reference to a party political stance. I don't really want to be stopped from posting such things on my main website, as it gives the impression that we are being restricted and that we are not conveying our stance on certain issues. If a politician can't be political, then there is a problem!!
A relatively quiet day at the Assembly today. I enjoy the Mental Health LCO committees that take place every Tuesday morning. Today we took evidence from RCN and the Law Society amongst others. I also attended the launch of the Kidney Wales campaign which is urging people to sign the organ donor register. It has been a hugely successful campaign, and many people spoke at the event who have had organ transplants themselves- the true champions of the cause.
4 comments:
I dont read the guidelines as preventing you publishing press releases on your website. You put these out as part of your work as an AM and therefore it is reasonable that your website reflects that. As ever if AMs just sat down with the relevant officials and talked through these things rather than throwing their toys out of the pram and resorting to knee jerk accusations then things would be a bit clearer. The principle behind this guidance is that public money should not be used to fund party political activity. It is reasonable that if the taxpayer is to fund a website then it should be restricted to just promoting the work of the AM. If you want to have more latitude then you should pay for the site yourself. That is what I do. Such restrictions already apply to written material with no controversy whatsoever.
what officials? Surely we should be consulted on it? If I can put all my press releases up then I am happy with it, but many naturally put forward my political activity.
I'm paying for the blog myself. Your whiter than white as usual Peter. Perhaps the Commissioner for IT should have spoken to us beforehand to stop such comments arising on our blogs?
Actually guidance on the use of Assembly resources does not fall within the remit of the Commissioner for IT. Personally, I did consult with my group beforehand. Although Commissioners do not represent their groups on the Commissioner they do have the opportunity to deal with these issues with members of their own party. Clearly, the Plaid Cymru member of the commission does things differently.
I can advise you which officials to talk to but personally I cannot see a problem with posting press releases issued in your capacity as an AM. As you pay for your blog yourself it will of course be not affected.
have you seen Leighton Andrews and Huw Lewis on this?
I think Big Brother should butt out.What price freedom of speech?
Its becoming like a stasi state
who will they try to stop next I wonder
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