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We are banned from Leinster House.
Read more about: Blogging
This story has been about the blogosphere for a while but now the dailies have picked it up. It seems blogs are being banned for staff in Leinster House. We getting too real for you, Leinster House? Can’t take the heat, eh? It seems the parties and members can still read blogs but the ordinary Joe Soap worker cannot. I would love to know the reason behind this. I would guess that it was an IT waste of resources decision but I can always dream that it is because us and the rest of the blogosphere are getting to the man. 
Not so sure if I see the big deal in this.
The rule says “Staff members who engage in blogging which is not related to their official duties while using their office computer will be subject to disciplinary action,”; which translates as an additional rule for personal computer usage… Civil servants should not be engaging in any computer use that is not related to their official duties on our time… this just sounds like a specific clarification to me.
Technically speaking that rule does not prohibit blogging, but it has to be part of their job (should a Gov. Department ever decide to set up an official blog). It also doesn’t seem to prohibit the reading of blogs, no more than general internet usage policy prohibits personal web-usage in work.
And it’s only for the Civil Servant staff of Leinster House. Doesn’t apply to political staff or to TDs/Senators.
As far as I’m concerned the antiquated, cobweb wearing sultans of spin that populate the political scene and backrooms are wholly unaware of the requirement to ‘get with the programme’.
I am beginning to wonder whether a program for e-Government actually really exists?
If sovereignty rests with the people, then clearly the ability to communicate and capture all audiences/people is something that should be set or given a level of real priority.
It comes as no real surprise that civil servants are being ring-fenced into communications policy and etiquette. I’d comment additionally though that some civil servants, including private secretaries should have access to blogs and boards, as these repositories are often the breeding grounds or on-line discussion rooms for difficult post speech questions.
Forwarned is forarmed.