Complete ban on postering for elections in Limerick would be ‘draconian’

LABOUR candidate Conor Sheehan has described Fianna Fail's calls for a ban on postering for the local election in Limerick as “draconian”.

Cllr Sheehan, who is seeking a seat for Labour on the northside, wants local election candidates to be limited to 50 posters, as opposed to a total ban, a wish expressed by Fianna Fail council leader Michael Collins.​

He admitted he was “perplexed” to hear the call, adding: “As a first time candidate, posters are a means of getting name recognition and a total ban on them will only serve to favour the incumbents and aid their re-election efforts.”  Mr Sheehan  acknowledged there are environmental concerns about over-use of posters – but said their psychological impact should not be underestimated.

“​For example, in the recent Presidential election, the lack of posters could be seen as a contributory factor for the low turnout. I would also argue that while social media places an important role in modern day political campaigning, it has a limited reach and a ban on election posters would only serve to inhibit new candidates and parties who do not have existing brand recognition,” Mr Sheehan explained.

Limiting all candidates to 50 posters would stop them “plastering” areas with placards, he added.​

“The election poster is ingrained in the Irish political psyche and an outright ban would be draconian,” he concluded.