Poster-free election policy agreed in Mayo - but it’s not binding

A poster-free policy for the local elections this year has been agreed by councillors in the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District.

The policy is not binding, a meeting of the local authority was told. However, members felt it important in terms of the environment.

They had done this for the 2019 elections, Claremorris Councillor Tom Connolly said in proposing the move, and it was a huge success.

Councillor Patsy O'Brien supported the concept, though he did note how on the last occasion signs did go up just before the election.

As a sitting councillor he would honour it, agreed Councillor Michael Burke, but they couldn't tell a new candidate what to do.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray said it wasn't binding on sitting councillors or other candidates. They were free to do what they want.

He felt posters added to the atmosphere of an election, quipping that having none would be a bit like having an All-Ireland without the flags.

As part of the agreement last time out, Councillor Richard Finn was happy to abide again this year.

Looking back, he added, the people who had put up posters hadn't been successful in the ballot box.

There is no law saying you can't put up posters, said Councillor John Caulfield, but the agreement worked well last time.

Looking back to five years ago, Councillor John Cribben said when he proposed the policy he received calls from two colleagues saying they couldn't support him. However, when he explained why they had come on board.

Councillor Damien Ryan expressed his support if they all agreed.

An extension of the policy to include the Swinford electoral area was suggested by Councillor Neil Cruise.