DAILWATCH.IE, THE “politically neutral, non-profit initiative” is to host a ‘Twitterchat’ on Wednesday 6 February, which they hope will start a conversation about Irish politics and how things can be improved.

It is a first for the site, which offers a public Q&A between citizens and TDs, while also keeping track of each TD’s voting records.

Based on Parliament Watch in Germany, which has submitted over 120,000 questions to date and has had over 100,000 responses, the Irish site has seen an increase both in the questions asked and in politician responses since its launch last October.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, founder Sarah O’Neill says that things are “going in the right direction”.

Having already notified politicians of the upcoming Twitter discussion – which will happen at the @dailwatch account and with the #askaTD hashtag, O’Neill says it’s now a case of wait and see as to which officials choose to engage on the day.

Titled ‘Political Representation in Ireland’, the discussion – between midday and 2pm – will focus on the party whip system and whether TDs should instead be given a free vote.

The two-hour online chat will also deal with whether people would consider joining a political party.

Having gotten the idea from Ashoka Ireland, who have previously held discussions on Twitter, O’Neill hopes that the “different approach” will encourage debate.

“Hopefully something comes out of it and I can notify TDs to let them know what people are thinking,” she said.

If you are a TD who is planning to participate in the #askatd chat on @dailwatch on Wednesday, feel free to let us know in the comments below.

Column: A new way to ask TDs questions – and get a direct answer >

More: Dailwatch.ie launched, as ‘political apathy is no longer an option’ >