This may not have been the much-anticipated “internet election”, but it has changed the job of political correspondent.

Unlike the old days, you can get instant opinions from candidates on the day’s issues – as well as their opinions on the stories you’ve written about them.

Yesterday, I interviewed Pirate Party candidate Shaun Dyer over a glass of orange juice down at Braunstone Gate. While I didn’t agree with all of his policies – those on legalised file-sharing, for example – I liked his enthusiasm and commitment.

I remarked to a reporter on my return to the office that I’d like to see more fresh faces like him in Parliament, who hadn’t been jaded by the cynical party politics game.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t too keen on my story. I had focused too much on his national policies, apparently, rather than his local ones.

Top tip: You should have told me what they were.

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