McGirr launches iPhone app

ADVANCING technology and the growing popularity of social networking sites have changed the face of political campaigns, leaving candidates little choice but to adapt to the new era.Leading the change of direction is independent candidate for the seat of Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr.Dr McGirr yesterday launched his own iPhone application as a fresh method of sharing the important issues he will support in the lead-up to the state election with the wider community.The application features information on Dr McGirr's campaign, while also giving residents access to the news releases, photos, videos and links to the latest news services."Information is the lifeblood of democracy," Dr McGirr said."This is another way of getting the right information to everyone."While Dr McGirr is the first candidate in regional NSW to adopt an iPhone application, a growing number of politicians are taking their campaign to online social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. Labor candidate Glenn Elliott-Rudder yesterday stressed the importance of using "mainstream" social network sites to reach young voters."You have to engage with voters in the ways that are out there and adapt to whatever communication methods emerge," he said."You have got to be in that world because you are one of many voices vying for their attention."Greens candidate for the seat of Wagga, Ros Prangnell yesterday revealed the party is finding Facebook and Twitter powerful campaign tools."The Greens use Facebook and Twitter quite actively and I also have my regular Facebook page and my campaign page," she said."It reaches the broader community and gives more people access to information."It is popular with younger people but a lot of older people also use it."