Longford Elections: Damaging election posters slammed as ‘immature’

The subject of election postering always generates plenty of debate and their use is governed by litter, electoral, road safety and planning laws.

Following the 2024 local elections, all posters and cable ties must be removed by midnight on Friday, June 14.
Under the Electoral Acts, posters may not be displayed within 50 metres of a polling station.

Whether you are in favour of or opposed to postering, it is part of the electoral process and it is a great source of frustration to candidates when their posters are vandalised or ripped down.

People Before Profit Solidarity candidate in Longford Municipal District Dave Smyth has had a number of his posters damaged and he slammed the behaviour.

He outlined, “I have found several of my election posters interfered with or removed – a violation of the law. Nobody involved in politics can be everything to everyone, it’s the nature of the arena and it’s why we have democracy. It’s also why we have respect among those seeking election or reelection and it’s why there are laws regarding the erection of election posters.”
He continued, “In a democracy I have the right to set out my stall and avail of all of the opportunities to meet people, hear their concerns, circulate my literature and erect posters keeping within the laws.”

Mr Smyth concluded, “For anyone to interfere with this is completely wrong. If you don’t agree with me, just don’t vote for me. I’m happy to debate with anyone. Ripping down and damaging posters or vandalising them is immature, pathetic and a criminal offence. Let’s get back to behaving like compassionate humans and let the democratic process take its course without this kind of childish nonsense.”

Fianna Fáil candidate in Ballymahon Municipal District Sean Mimnagh also took to social media to highlight how his face had been cut out from his posters.

“I was sent several photos of my poster at Fermoyle, where my face has been cut out. As you know several posters were already torn down and defaced but this makes a serious escalation of events.

“I won't be deterred in my campaign and will continue to do the best for my local communities. If you want a picture of me that badly, please make contact with me and I will take a selfie with you if you would like!”