ABSTRACT

Members of parliament are busy people. In addition to their formal tasks in chambers, party groups and committees, a great many people outside parliament try to claim their time. Parliamentary research often focuses on MPs’ contacts with individual voters and the mass media; at least as significant, however, are their contacts with various elite actors. 1 Through informal contacts with interest groups, cabinet ministers, top administrators and their party organization, for example, representatives can acquire information and influence decision-making. Clearly, deciding which contacts deserve priority is crucial for an individual MP. 2