Beating "Purdah"
First we had a rush to get legislation through the Assembly before it dissolves for the election. Now we have a rush for ministers to get out announcements before the formal dissolution kicks in at a minute past midnight tonight. The Executive Information Service reckons it has sent out more than 90 press releases in the last 48 hours. Everything from Edwin Poots tackling invasive species to Caitriona Ruane cutting the first sod for a new Special school.
There may still be some bland releases during the campaign, but according to officials should "as far as possible avoid competition with Assembly candidates for the attention of the public. Each case should be considered on its merits, but there is a presumption that official support should not be provided in relation to the launch of new policy initiatives, announcements, the opening of new facilities, paid publicity campaigns, or other matters which could be seen to have a direct material bearing upon the Assembly election campaign. Major investment or jobs announcements should also be deferred where possible until after the election."
The regulations also say that government buildings should not be used for electioneering purposes. With that in mind one Stormont party has already sent out a reminder that their press officers should not be contacted via their Assembly e-mail addresses - if you want them you need to go through party headquarters.
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