LOCAL ELECTION candidates in Co Kerry have been warned by the county council not to erect election posters until May 6th, one month before the poll.
In written instructions issued over the past week, the candidates have also been told not to interfere with the line of vision of motorists and other road users when doing so.
However, many are finding innovative ways around the ruling.
The ban applies to posters on walls and telegraphs poles under the Litter Pollution Acts, but it does not apply to vehicles because of their mobility.
Candidates across party lines are putting their images on cars and parking them at strategic locations outside churches, football fields and community gatherings.
Chris Fitzgerald, of the signs company Slogadh in Killorglin, Co Kerry, said local election candidates were seeking the relatively quick vinyl service on cars which costs about €300.
However, Fianna Fáil councillor Paul O’Donoghue, the brother of ceann comhairle John O’Donoghue, has gone one better. He has enlisted the support of his wife Noreen, a renowned jam maker, and the women of Cahersiveen to make pots of home-made marmalade and label them with his image and the slogan “Vote Number One” for distribution in the Killorglin local electoral area where he is seeking to retain his seat.
Mr O’Donoghue has described the marmalade as “a limited edition”.
“It’s a bit of fun. It’s meant to bring a small bit of levity into an all too serious world.”
Fianna Fáil candidates privately admit they are facing their toughest ever reception in Kerry .
Michael Cahill, a Fianna Fáil councillor in the Killorglin area, said the anger was not personal but there were so many issues now, from medical cards to unemployment.