Mayo 'No' to presidential election posters

MAYO is voting 'No' to the erection of campaign posters in towns and villages for the upcoming presidential election.

A number of Tidy Towns groups in the county have asked the political parties and independent candidate to refrain from putting up election posters, having a no poster policy in place for all events and occasions.

Westport, Castlebar, Aughagower, Claremorris, Belcarra, Ballindine and Mulranny are among those behind the campaign.

Correspondence issued by them to the three candidates sets out how countless volunteers dedicate their time and energy to maintaining the cleanliness, sustainability and environmental integrity of their towns and villages through the Tidy Towns initiative.

Election posters, while an important part of democratic engagement, 'can unfortunately undermine this work' - cluttering the streetscapes, contributing to plastic waste, and detracting from the natural and built environment that so many strive to protect.

'We kindly ask that your party adopt a poster-free policy for our towns in support of the efforts of Tidy Towns groups and local residents who care deeply about their surroundings.'

Castlebar Councillor Ger Deere also raised the matter at a municipal district meeting, where he appealed to campaigners to support the no poster campaign.