Donegal is saying no to the traditional poster campaigns in the run-up to the upcoming local elections.
Some candidates fear Donegal could be blighted by election posters…like this crazy situation in Dublin
Today is the day when dozens of candidates across the county begin to erect posters on lamp posts and telegraph poles.
But standing county councillor Michael McBride has revealed he is boycotting the traditional electioneering ploy.
And on top of that the town of Glenties is pleading with candidates NOT to erect posters in the town.
Almost all candidates are using social media including Facebook and Twitter to boost their campaigns as well as advertising online to get their message across to voters.
The local tidy towns committee in Glenties say they have “banned” posters from being put up in the local speed limit area. 
Councillor Michael McBride said he plans to run a “poster free” election campaign for a number of reasons.
“I have taken this decision for several reasons, after consultation with both my Electoral Committee and my constituents. I am firmly of the view that election posters represent both an eyesore and an annoyance to the general public at large; and this is all the more so in Ireland’s most scenic county, Donegal.
“I am very mindful of the fact that the election is scheduled for the 23rd of May, in the Summer; and I am very hopeful that we will see a higher than usual influx of tourists from both Ireland and abroad this year, drawn by attractions such as the Wild Atlantic Way and other places of natural beauty in our County.
“I believe it is a disservice to tourism to have our County littered with unsightly election posters this summer; and I, for one, am going to do my part to lessen the number of posters displayed. I have taken the views of my constituents and I question how much influence or value election posters have in general.
“I am confident that my campaign will be won by listening in person to the real concerns and issues affecting my constituents on the doorsteps rather than by plastering thousands of posters across the County; and by my track record as a member of Donegal County Council.
“I am further mindful of environmental concerns; and I do not believe that thousands of posters occupying every available space in the County are an environmentally sound proposition. I believe that poster free campaigns represent the future of Irish elections, both ethically and environmentally,” he said.
Glenties Tidy Towns committee say they have “banned” posters from being erected inside the speed limits of the town.
Local election candidate Brian Carr has joined the poster-free campaign and is urging other candidates to join him.
He has donated the money he would have used on posters to Cancer Care North-West.
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