Belfast-based public affairs consultancy Stratagem has integrated a range of new technologies into its refreshed website.

www.stratagem-ni.com fully integrates the company’s Twitter feed, providing the latest political information and breaking news. There is also an interactive map of Northern Ireland which visitors can use to access information about our MLAs, MPs, Peers and MEPs.

Speaking at the launch, Quintin Oliver of Stratagem explained: “Politics is about engagement, and as lobbyists we help people connect with decision-makers. Our new website is a natural progression, as it enables visitors to discover comprehensive information about our elected representatives through our innovative interactive map.

“We have also integrated our Twitter feed, as we want to enhance the dissemination of political knowledge and encourage conversation.

“We offer political advice and expertise to clients to enable them to operate more effectively. As a company with a strong emphasis on putting ourselves at the heart of the community, we also want to use some of that knowledge to help increase the understanding of politics more generally.”

The website also carries an events and consultations diary, a blog-style news section which allows visitors to comment on posts, and full details of all Stratagem services.

In another move, Stratagem has made available a comprehensive guide to politics and government on its new site. The company’s ‘Northern Ireland Structures of Governance’ directory offers one of the most up-to-date, complete guides available on the Assembly, the Executive, Stormont Committees and governmental bodies, and is being provided totally free.

Mr Oliver also hinted that there are some further exciting developments on the way for the new site, which will enable even greater engagement between the public and politicians.

Commenting on the new Stratagem website, Mick Fealty, blogger and owner of the Slugger O’Toole site said: “Over the past decade, Stratagem has developed an excellent reputation for its political expertise. In my experience, Twitter is of the highest value when in the hands of people who understand their own areas of expertise and the value of sharing it.

“The new Stratagem Twitter service will undoubtedly be a great tool for anyone interested in politics and current affairs here, and further enhances online political dialogue in Northern Ireland.”

Paul Evans, of Local Democracy, a leading UK interactive site continued: “Northern Ireland is often thought to be behind in terms of its enthusiasm to leverage online tools to include people in policymaking. Having watched Stratagem work, it's clear that they have the experience, the abilities and the understanding needed to lead in this field."

Rick Ridder, a leading US political consultant from Denver, Colorado, who is visiting Belfast for the first time, added: “This Stratagem site is amazing. I never learned so much in so little time from a political site, pushing no line, advocating no agenda, but creating a new dialogue about how politics should be conducted”.