SOME politicians would go to any height to secure a few extra votes but few would dare to venture to the extremes favoured by the Healy-Rae political dynasty.
Their supporters scaled Ireland’s highest peak in an attempt to woo potential voters and they hope energetic lovers of the great outdoors will be suitably impressed by their efforts.
Campaign posters for Killarney councillor Danny Healy-Rae and his son Johnny are now perched proudly beneath the landmark cross at the peak of Carrantuohill mountain.
Somebody actually went to the trouble of climbing to the 1,038m summit to put them there but the Healy-Raes themselves claim to be mystified by the stunt.
They will, however, take consolation from the fact that it is unlikely to do their respective re-election campaigns any harm at all.
Meanwhile, the great poster debate commenced this week when election billboards and glossy literature began to appear at crossroads, on poles and on approach roads to Killarney and other parts of the county.
Many candidates still favour the traditional postering approach but there are others who refrain from posting their headshots in public areas because of concerns for the environment.
Cllr Michael Gleeson, who has consistently voiced his opposition to posters being erected, said the overall appearance of the county is of fundamental importance to the tourist industry that is so vital to the economy of Kerry.
“I do not wish to diminish the wonderful perfection of creation with unsightly posters,” he said.
“So many people work so hard to keep our towns and roadsides neat and tidy all year round. I applaud them and am proud to be a little part of their great endeavours,” Cllr Gleeson said.
Another Killarney area candidate, Cllr Tom Doherty, also stressed that he would not embark on a postering campaign.
“Out of respect for the environment and the safety of road users, l will not litter the countryside,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kerry County Council has instructed candidates not to erect election posters on road traffic signs or over bridges where they could prove hazardous.
A spokesman for the local authority pointed out that it is an offence to attach any sign or poster to a road traffic sign or pole or near junctions where they could block sightlines.
The ESB has also warned against erecting posters or billboards on electricity poles or masts as it could result in serious injury or death.
After the May 23 polling day, candidates or their representatives have seven days to remove all election posters and signage, including cable ties, or they could face prosecution.
