Do Mayors and Councillors Have to Apply for Leave When Campaigning?

With the IEC now having received the party lists of candidates for the upcoming Local General Elections we have noticed an upswing in politicking – all of a sudden candidates Twitter and Facebook and Social Media ‘weapons’ of choice are full of how wonderful they and their parties are.

BUT

I find it disturbing that a LOT of the posts I see on Social Media promoting one party over another as the party of choice for a beleaguered electorate occur DURING WORKING HOURS.

Let me break that down for you – I see Councillors, MMC’s and Mayors promoting themselves and their parties during what we would assume are working hours – hours that we as rateayers pay for in order to ensure Service Delivery and NOT hours to ensure that one party wins over another.

I am well aware that the split between Ward business and Party business is on a 20 – 80 split but to have the up-swell in party politicking thrown in my face by people being paid by the ratepayers as well does leave me sad….