It might just be that something like this requires a bit more credibility.

RTV involved Katy French, Louis Walsh etc to provoke a reaction. They knew full well that people would write about it – but that’s what they wanted – they wanted people to talk – they could talk about the issue in a good or bad way – either way it didn’t matter.

The main guy Paddy Cosgrave thinks it’s great that some bloggers are giving out about the campaign – he gets his own mates for christ sake to give out stink about it online.

Haha, fuck me. If the people you’re trying to reach are readers of Heat who enjoy Celebrity Big Brother then you’re a sad lot.

Did you think about a series of crayon drawings, perhaps? With really big writing and easy to spell words.

Btw, for that I do apologise for stating that they got ‘govt monies’ – misinformation! All forgiven yeah?

Mary – yeah there is things like http://www.mycandidate.ie but to be honest, most of that tells you nothing about the candidates involved.

Also, while the Rockthevote.ie campaign has gotten some people talking it still doesn’t excuse the fact that their ads are terrible and that they haven’t really talked about anything other than.. ‘you should vote like’. I’m a first time voter this election and if anything Rockthevote.ie hasn’t helped me in anything, even worse, the stupidity of their ads nearly makes me not want to vote.

And on a final note – most of the first time voters I’ve talked to don’t even know what ‘Rockthevote’ is… It seems to only be raising awareness amongst those who already know… Maybe the situation is different in Dublin but…

Under the electoral acts Rock the Vote cannot act in anyway whatsoever that can be construed as being pro or anti government. If they start raising the issue of cancer research for example or the day of polling then they will get slammed by SIPO and forced to wind down as they would then be classified as a third party formed for political purposes. As for their ads, once again under BCI and RTE’s own policies, they must follow the same guidelines. The political parties don’t have to do this, because they are political parties – they have an agenda – Rock the Vote cannot have an agenda.

As for information on candidates check out http://www.mycandidate.ie – it’s a good start, and will only get better.

The main guy behind has very progressive political beliefs, but his hands are completely tied. If he puts one foot wrong he’ll get smacked in the face by SIPO, who sit him down regularly.

With almost no money these guys have made such an impact – like or not, for the first time the media right across this country are talking about the youth vote – they are talking to young people, and young people are talking – you guys are talking – that’s an achievement – especially considering that they have spent less than the average candidate will spend on trying to get elected.

It’s money well spent.

But seriousloy guys get a grip – there’s strict legislation in this country – they have to follow it – end of story. Get worked up, but at least get worked up on the actual areas of the campaign which can be improved – of which, if you listen to any of the radio or TV interviews with the guys, there are lots. They have been massively restricted in what they can do due to funding.

Good luck