Gardaí receive reports after Gerard Hutch image appears near Dublin Central polling stations

Gardaí are examining reports after election-related markings appeared near polling stations in Dublin Central on polling day

Stencilled grafitti outside a polling station in Phibsborough, Dublin, in support of Dublin Central byelection candidate Gerry Hutch. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch could face scrutiny after his name and image appeared power-washed onto the ground near by-election polling stations in Dublin Central.

Mr Hutch later shared an image of the markings on Instagram alongside the song Who Let the Dogs Out.

Under the Electoral Act 1992, candidates are prohibited from canvassing on polling day, while election posters cannot be displayed within 100 metres of a polling station.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed that "Gardaí have received reports of a number of occurrences in north Dublin today, Friday 22nd May 2026". 

"An Garda Síochána does not comment on named individuals, entities or organisations," they said. 

"The protection of the electoral process is central to democracy and a priority for An Garda Síochána.

"It is standard that policing plans, based upon assessed threat, are put in place for all electoral events. This ensures an effective policing response to potential criminal activity. 

Stencilled grafitti outside a polling station in Phibsborough, Dublin, in support of Dublin Central byelection candidate Gerry Hutch. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Garda response

"A Garda presence remains in place across the DMR North, DMR North Central and DMR West Divisions ensuring voters can exercise their democratic right without interference. This will continue until polling closes at 10pm this evening. 

"The running of election centres and count centres are a matter for Returning Officers appointed by local authorities. An Garda Síochána engages closely with the Returning and Presiding Officers at election and count centres. 

"Electoral legislation provides for specific offences in proximity to polling stations and count centres. Gardaí have received reports of a number of occurrences in north Dublin today, Friday 22nd May 2026."

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council confirmed that cleaning crews had been deployed to remove the images of Mr Hutch.

"Dublin City Council has received a number of complaints relating to images being stencilled onto public roadways and footpaths within the Central Area of the city today," they said.

"The Council will now be issuing fines to anyone found to have breached the Litter Pollution Acts. Cleaning crews have been dispatched as quickly as possible to remove the images, subject to resource availability."