All a Twitter for councillors during meeting

THURSDAY night's heated debate over sterilisation was delayed by a Twitter row.

Councillor Peter Black admitted, when challenged, that he had been posting messages on the micro-blogging website during the council meeting.

Councillor Rene Kinzett said he'd been blogging as well.

Councillor Ceinwen Thomas was not amused: "At the start of the meeting, the presiding officer asked us to turn off our mobile phones," she said.

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Councillor Kinzett hit back. "This is absolute nonsense," he said.

"This is a democratic forum, and these proceedings are open."

Twitter allows users to post messages on the web explaining what they are doing at that precise moment. You can use a mobile phone or computer connected to the internet to upload them. Here are Councillor Black's insights as the meeting progressed: "Watching a presentation by the Gower Society on the fantastic landscape surrounding Swansea.

"Discussing respite services in Swansea.

"Wondering how so much hot air can be generated by so few councillors."

Messages of his also appeared on another social networking site, Facebook.

At 7.11pm, a friend asked him via Facebook if the meeting was over.

"You have to be joking," he replied at 7.13pm. "Another half hour at least."

Councillor Kinzett responded to Councillor Black's observation about so much hot air being generated by so few councillors.

"But such quality!" he wrote on Facebook at 7.08pm.

Councillor Kinzett also posted two messages on Twitter at around 9pm, the second sympathising with Councillor Black.

"That was a long meeting and quite bad-tempered in part.

"Thought it was crazy you being slammed by Labour group leader on Swansea Council for Twittering in meeting . . . wot a tw*t."