POLITICIANS are human. In election week, and as we hurtle towards a referendum, it’s worth remembering this in a social media age where people engage personally and directly with elected representatives in a way that simply wasn’t possible previously.

We stand for public office, so have a responsibility to interact with people and to cope fairly with both praise and criticism.

I for example run my own social media profiles, and try to give the quick response that such communications demand - albeit struggling to do complex issues justice in 140 characters.

This direct form of contact is a good thing for discussion, accountability and transparency in our democracy. The flip side is it also allows personal attacks to be made freely and instantly, and a storm can be whipped up in seconds.

Sadly, valid disagreements about policy, voting or a local issue can sometimes turn into personal abuse online. I’m shocked at some of the abuse and threats women MP colleagues have faced in particular (not to mention racism and homophobia).

In this rowdy online world, I feel it’s important to remember the vast majority of elected representatives, regardless of party, are generally good people trying to do their best for others, and it's worthwhile reflecting in an age of cynicism, that whatever you might think of their views or decisions, most politicians are just human, and remarkably normal.

A recent illustration of this was my friend Ian Murray MP, shadow secretary of state for Scotland, who featured in Unparliamentary Language – a Politics Home series - wearing a Batman t-shirt. He talked about running a business before being elected, enjoying cooking, his love of The Muppets and Fawlty Towers, and singing (I’ve duetted with him).

It’s this insight that people don't always get and maybe assume therefore politicians are somehow removed from everyday life. Maybe in the past it was true but today I’m not so sure.

Outside Parliament and constituency business, I think my life is pretty normal. I cook, enjoy a pint, see friends, family and godchildren, watch TV (recent favourites Game of Thrones, The Night Manager), I watch the Bluebirds, enjoy the cinema, and a walk around the bay or the Vale.

While robust debate should always go on, I hope reminders of the normal 'human' side of politicians might help dispel some of the corrosive cynicism that has sadly crept into public life and democracy in recent years.