Get rid of the eyesores and give us the facts

DURING the last general election campaign we were greeted daily, to my dismay, by the smiling faces of Dáil candidates on every pole and along road margins.

Election posters are an eyesore and a misuse of funds by political parties and candidates.

They — and indeed all other forms of election literature — should be banned and replaced by a system that would give much more real information to voters and reduce waste and expense to acceptable levels. I suggest an A4-sized booklet funded by government for each constituency. In it each candidate would have one page to outline his or her experience, standpoint on issues, party affiliations, etc.

This booklet would be delivered to each registered voter along with his or her voting card. Candidates would be in alphabetical order. Other forms of advertising would be prohibited (including flyers through letterboxes). Of course, radio and other public appearances should be encouraged so that the public could become familiar with the candidates. I have been advised that legislative changes would be required, but this should not be a deterrent? Why not a trial of this system in a particular constituency (through agreement of the local candidates) and see how the public respond?

Gavin Loesberg

11 Marwood Green

Riverstown

Glanmire

Co Cork