Politics online: Life is tweet as politicians grapple with the new era of social media

The next election will show how Facebook and Twitter can be as important as weekly clinics and canvassing on the doorsteps, writes Elaine Loughlin

HE marriage referendum was a historic moment for Ireland. Not only did the country gain international attention for voting in favour of marriage equality, for the first time in Ireland, social media galvanised political interaction.

Viral videos encouraged young people to vote, online campaigns brought thousands home to cast their ballot, and those on Twitter ensured Ireland was trending around the world.