"Tradition" Or Tactic ? Candidates Face Scrutiny Over Pre-Election Posters

Friday, 1 November 2024 14:51

By Martin Osborne

Images of Kildare North TD James Lawless popped up on the day the Kildare county final was taking place in Newbridge. Other Kildare candidates also took advantage of the footfall, including Independent Cllr Tom McDonnell and Senator Fiona O'Loughlin.

Concerns have been raised over what some see as premature campaigning by political candidates, with election posters being spotted in public spaces before an official general election has even been called.

The issue has prompted Dublin City Council to investigate complaints made regarding Fine Gael candidate Mary Seery Kearney, whose posters wishing runners well were displayed along the route of the Dublin Marathon.

Current rules permit campaign posters to be erected only after a polling order has been issued, or 30 days before an election date.

Early postings may therefore violate campaign guidelines, sparking debate over the use of public spaces to promote candidates ahead of schedule.

In Kildare, images of Kildare North TD James Lawless appeared prominently during the county final in Newbridge, an event that draws significant crowds.

Independent Councillor Tom McDonnell and Senator Fiona O’Loughlin also displayed posters around the same time, making the most of the high foot traffic generated by the county final.

A spokesperson for Lawless defended the early postings, citing “local tradition” of putting up campaign materials on county final days.

However, the move has faced pushback from some quarters.

Green Party leader and Minister Roderic O’Gorman voiced his concern, stating that candidates should refrain from prematurely promoting themselves.