Politicians’ use of social media

Politicians have learned the power of social media. Young Northern Ireland politicians maintain they arc very different from previous generations of politicians in that they are prepared to socialise with political opponents. This is a radical departure from the past and marks a progression to what could be termed a ‘normal’ society. As one points out, “bridges” and “commonality” are being built on issues such as mental health, socio-economic and “bread and butter” issues that have day to day effects on both communities.

Dale Pankhurst is a young newly elected DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) councillor who describes himself as a “working class Loyalist”. He took part in a youth debate at Feile An Phobail, a community festival in a nearby Nationalist/ Republican area ofWest Belfast and publicly tweeted his thanks to the participant in what he called an “enjoyable” experience, even though most disagreed with his viewpoint”. (@Dale_Pankhurst; August 7, 2019). The reaction on Twitter was very favourable, thanking him for engaging and asking Pankhurst to build more bridges, not trenches. (©PastorJimberool, August 7, 2019).

Dale Pankhurst recognises that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat hold influence with young people, and can be used to ease tension. When there is trouble at an interface, residents will send a Facebook message about the incident and Pankhurst can immediately go to the area to defuse the situation. Taxi drivers and community workers will also use social media to contact Pankhurst so that he can help prevent violence.

Pankhurst retweeted a comment by Jim Branagh from a North Belfast loyalist area who described how a family member lost his life at an interface incident. Branagh warned of the dangers of youth getting involved in intercommunal violence, and the damage to families when people die. Pankhurt responded noting that some young people feel like they “missed out” on The Troubles. They see pictures on TV' and want to try out what it feels like to riot. These kids often do not realise that throwing a petrol bomb, brick or glass bottle can kill someone. Pankhurst urged adults to warn kids (Pankhurst 2019).

Pankhurst describes the obstacles to communicating and building relationships with someone on social media, as opposed to face to face engagement. And “keyboard warriors” and trolls are there to stir up tension. It is very different than sitting with someone and having a conversation on a personal level (Pankhurst 2019).

Pankhurst believes this generation of young politicians are “very different” from previous generations. They will socialise and “have a laugh” with politicians from the “other side”. They also have common ground on many social issues such as mental health, jobs and the economy. Talking face-to-face about those issues helps builds bridges. But politicians need to realise that real bridge-building to consolidate and sustain peace in Northern Ireland requires careful communication on social media. Politicians in post-conflict countries like Northern Ireland would do well to study how social media can help and hurt their communities.