Westport Town Councillor Keith Martin has launched what is believed to be the country’s first virtua

mayo | miscellaneous | press release Monday August 02, 2004 00:12 by Keith Martin - Independent kmartin at dna dot ie Westport, Mayo

Ireland's first virtual clinic launched

Using the latest in internet technology anyone with access to the internet can, with the click of a button, chat with Westport Town Council's Cllr Keith Martin using a Java text system.

Westport Town Councillor Keith Martin has launched what is believed to be the country’s first virtual clinic. Using the latest in internet technology anyone with access to the internet can, with the click of a button, chat with the councillor using a Java text system.

Cllr Keith Martin says the virtual clinic will mean that during the 2-3 hours he is on-line every day he will be able to deal with queries from constituents in real time.

All they have to do is visit his website www.keithmartin.utvinternet.com, fill in their names click the chat button and within seconds they will be in direct, real time contact with him.

Cllr Martin says this is probably the only clinic of its kind in the country and that it may be the clinic of the future for younger or older voters who don't have the time or inclination to go a see a public representative in the flesh.

If Cllr Martin is not on-line all the person has to do is e-mail him for an appointment at a time when he will be on-line and the clinic can be held at a mutually convenient time.

Cllr Martin says “More and more people are using the internet every day and it is not just young people, there are many older users, the so-called silver surfers, and I see this as an excellent way to keep in touch with constituents.

“In big rural counties like Mayo the internet helps bring people closer, especially those in isolated localities. A system like this allows them greater contact with their representatives and is something I hope other public representatives will embrace.”

The clinic is available to anyone with access to the internet and is confidential, more details are available at www.keithmartin.utvinternet.com.