News 
Pagoda Scoops Top Public Affairs Awards
2 November 2006
Frank McAveety MSP on a political speed date. Photo by Lloyd Smith
The Edinburgh and Belfast-based agency won the accolade for their campaign on the Electoral Commission's "political speed-dating".
Based on conventional speed-dating, the political variation aims to break down barriers between politicians and young people. A launch event in Edinburgh saw ten school and university students come face-to-face with MSPs and councillors from across Scotland.
Each had a three-minute "date" with the politicians when they could ask various questions before noting down a score based on their impressions.
Once everyone had 'dated' with each other, the scores were totalled-up and the winning politician presented with a 'political hoodie' - a hooded sweatshirt with a political slogan on the back.
The activity is now being rolled out across other parts of the country.
"The award is a superb achievement for us” said Pagoda’s Managing Director Ian Coldwell.
“Political speed-dating aims to break down barriers between politicians and young people in a fun and light-hearted way whilst communicating a serious message.”
“The younger generation are becoming less and less engaged in the democratic process so these activities are a great way to boost participation. I'm very pleased the industry has recognised our achievement with this gold award".
Pagoda has also devised and launched ‘political tea dancing' which aims to inform the older generation about the new STV voting system for Scottish local government elections, due to be introduced in 2007.
The first event was launched last month in Dundee when politicians were paired with local tea dancers for a dancing competition. Spectators voted on the best pair using the new voting system.
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For further information contact Neil Freshwater on 0131 556 0770 or email neil.freshwater@pagodapr.com
Notes to editors
1. Political speed dating forms part of the Electoral Commission's Democracy Cookbook - a resource containing activities to increase interest in politics amongst young people.
2. A toolkit has been developed by Pagoda and the Electoral Commission to allow organisations run their own political speed dating events
