Ritchie goes online to the Institute of Directors

Department for Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA made her ‘live’ debut online with the Institute of Directors  recently, answering questions on various topics covered by her department.

It was a first for the Minister and her officials at the Department for Social Development (DSD). They met their team of specialists who set up this forum to allow Minister to talk to over 30 people  and she was only 100 feet or so from her desk in the Gasworks.

Once greetings and photocalls were out of the way it was down to business. Some of us in the room were well aware that this was a moment in history for our Department. A first for our Minister, and a first for a Minister in the North or South of Ireland. I believe some mainland MPs had used a similar facility before.  

Top of the agenda was the Ministerial priority - Housing. Questions on Mortgages,  and Stamp Duty were posed to Minister. She dealt with these questions with ease. They are, after all, her specialist topic. Investing in housing and addressing the housing crisis is her way forward, it is the Departmental approach and most of all it is what people need.  

The odd question on topics such as Post Offices enhancing their services were also handled by Minister. Although the Post Office was not part of her remit, she advised that anything which is in the public interest and that would benefit the public such as enhancing the Post Office services should always be encouraged.

Chatrooms on-line are not a new innovation. However, it is a new innovation for the Executive, the Department for Social Development and Minister Ritchie. The expertise exists to use the internet more and more and the Minister is keen to use every piece of technology she can muster.

When the questions began Minister answered in her usual ministerial tone just as she would in a television or radio interview. One could almost visualize smoke emanating from the fingers of those typing into the laptop. As Minister adapted to this very new situation she managed to pace her answers more in keeping with the speed of the person typing her replies, using a more conversational style.

A few photographers turned up to record the event of the day for posterity. There are plans to do the same again. Not just Minister Ritchie but other members of the Executive. And who knows. Maybe, just maybe, the day will come when politicians will face their public and act on their suggestions on-line, to the various situations that affect our lives and our country.

Whilst I didn’t get an opportunity to speak to Minister directly about her new experience on how she felt the afternoon had gone, it was obvious from her body language that she enjoyed this new challenge and the significance of the day.

As well as talking to thirty plus people all around Northern Ireland the Minister got her message across, replied to queries and still had some extra time to deal with important matters back in her offices.