Public meetings and rallies are of less significance than they were in the past, he says, but the role of the media in Northern Ireland at election time cannot not be overstated. Mr Tim Atwood, director of development with the SDLP, says there have been significant changes in the way elections have been fought in Northern Ireland over the last 10 years. People who stood up for the SDLP in republican areas such as Andersonstown were taking their life in their hands. There are a few areas in which the SDLP would not canvass, hardline places on either side of the political divide. Having said that, the Assembly has meant people are more aware of house prices, education, health and jobs, everyday issues . . .
All Northern parties say the electioneering process is becoming increasingly sophisticated.
The DUP is using the Internet to get its message across while the Women's Coalition has been learning from parties in the South about more high-tech methods of analysing election results. While the party makes a point of canvassing in all areas, the reaction to this has not always been positive.