Next P A G Public Meeting Freedom of Information (F O I) is a political priority for P A G It’s the topic for the next P A G Public Meeting on Wednesday 23rd February 2011, starting at 7.30 p.m., at the Claremont Hotel, Douglas. There will be 2 guest speakers: Julian Todd creator and co-founder of TheyWorkForYou.com, an influential website which keeps tabs on the U K’s parlaiments and assemblies. He is an active FOI campaigner who last year shared a platform with Julian Assange of WikiLeaks. He will explain how the public can use the internet to influence government and effect change. Ralfy Mitchell is someone who, from his own front room in Maughold, with a video camera, a website and endearing personalilty has built up a worldwide following for his independent eccentric video reviews of whisky. He describes his site ralfy.com as “substance over style!” P A G believes that this year’s General Election will be strongly influenced by use of the internet with more candidates having websites. Similarly the local media will feature video interviews with candidates. The public too is realising what a powerful force social networking can be in political action. Despite promising a Freedom of Information Act, our government still holds back the legislation. P A G wishes to nudge F O I to the top of the I O M political agenda. Obtaining and imparting accurate information is a vital part of the modern political process Our two speakers have a wealth of experience in persuasive tactics to influence opinion and we can learn from them. It will be a lively and entertaining evening. For P A G, the Election campaign starts here - who knows one day we may have a F O I Act! Ends