Election Posters

Reillyman

I'm a 17 year-old 5th year student, who is seriously p****d off with this government, majority of which is Fianna Fáil. I was amused/maddened to see that the FF election posters feature a tiny Fianna Fáil logo. So me and my permanent market went and put a large arrow pointing to the party's logo, and added a "ure" to the end of Fianna Fáil. Done this to about 3 posters on a 100m stretch of road. Turns out this guy followed me to school, and tried to give me a bollocking.

"Why did ya do that?"

"Because this Government led by Fianna Fáil is a disgrace and has ruined this country!"

"Well we'll see what the gaurds say."

So on he goes to ring the gaurds, puts me on the phone to them, they ask me for my name, address, etc,(which I give). He asks what I done,so I tell him the story, how I only targeted FF posters and he says that he'll go out and have a look at them or something, and not to do it again.

Was just wondering, is this illegal? And if so, what can happen?

Bob Z

maybe your friend is winding you up

dave-higgz

Reillyman wrote: »

I'm a 17 year-old 5th year student, who is seriously p****d off with this government, majority of which is Fianna Fáil. I was amused/maddened to see that the FF election posters feature a tiny Fianna Fáil logo. So me and my permanent market went and put a large arrow pointing to the party's logo, and added a "ure" to the end of Fianna Fáil. Done this to about 3 posters on a 100m stretch of road. Turns out this guy followed me to school, and tried to give me a bollocking.

"Why did ya do that?"

"Because this Government led by Fianna Fáil is a disgrace and has ruined this country!"

"Well we'll see what the gaurds say."

So on he goes to ring the gaurds, puts me on the phone to them, they ask me for my name, address, etc,(which I give). He asks what I done,so I tell him the story, how I only targeted FF posters and he says that he'll go out and have a look at them or something, and not to do it again.

Was just wondering, is this illegal? And if so, what can happen?

LOL fair play to ya. I'm in TY (16) and Shay Brennan has set up outside my house, I live in Dub South. My plan for mass delinquency is to go outside in the night with a step ladder and a marker. You probably should have done the same to avoid attention

Reillyman

No, it was the gaurds, I seen the number on the screen.

dresden8

Reillyman wrote: »

I'm a 17 year-old 5th year student, who is seriously p****d off with this government, majority of which is Fianna Fáil. I was amused/maddened to see that the FF election posters feature a tiny Fianna Fáil logo. So me and my permanent market went and put a large arrow pointing to the party's logo, and added a "ure" to the end of Fianna Fáil. Done this to about 3 posters on a 100m stretch of road. Turns out this guy followed me to school, and tried to give me a bollocking.

"Why did ya do that?"

"Because this Government led by Fianna Fáil is a disgrace and has ruined this country!"

"Well we'll see what the gaurds say."

So on he goes to ring the gaurds, puts me on the phone to them, they ask me for my name, address, etc,(which I give). He asks what I done,so I tell him the story, how I only targeted FF posters and he says that he'll go out and have a look at them or something, and not to do it again.

Was just wondering, is this illegal? And if so, what can happen?

You should have told them that you're under-age and some strange man followed you to school.

nesf

At worst you'll get a metaphorical clip around the ear and told to grow up and not vandalise posters.


More importantly you need to grasp that no matter how much you disagree with someone they have a right in elections to put up posters and you do not have the right to deface them, remove them or do anything else to them. You don't get to decide what other people see.

Reillyman

nesf wrote: »

You don't get to decide what other people see.

Really? But Politicians do? They can spread their propaganda but we can't spread ours?

Dinner

Reillyman wrote: »

I'm a 17 year-old 5th year student, who is seriously p****d off with this government, majority of which is Fianna Fáil. I was amused/maddened to see that the FF election posters feature a tiny Fianna Fáil logo. So me and my permanent market went and put a large arrow pointing to the party's logo, and added a "ure" to the end of Fianna Fáil. Done this to about 3 posters on a 100m stretch of road. Turns out this guy followed me to school, and tried to give me a bollocking.

How ridiculously childish. What is it, you want to feel like the mad yoke so you and the boyz can have a laugh because you drew on election posters?

If you really want to do something then grow up and get involved. Campaign for the candidate that you want elected, or join the youth section of whatever party you think would do the best job.

But sticking 2 fingers to the government by scribbling on a lowly potential counsellors poster isn't going to do anything but allow you and your mates to give each other congratulatory pats on the back.

Reillyman

Dinner wrote: »

How ridiculously childish. What is it, you want to feel like the mad yoke so you and the boyz can have a laugh because you drew on election posters?

If you really want to do something then grow up and get involved. Campaign for the candidate that you want elected, or join the youth section of whatever party you think would do the best job.

But sticking 2 fingers to the government by scribbling on a lowly potential counsellors poster isn't going to do anything but allow you and your mates to give each other congratulatory pats on the back.

I agree the tactics are childish. But don't you agree that trying to fool constituents into thinking your not with FF by having a miniscule logo is childish? If FF members can't be proud of their party, how are we expected to be proud of them in government?

People will see this poster with a blue background and think its an independant, I'm just highlighting the fact that this person is running for FF.

Politicians, local and European, were all too happy to take credit for FF's successful few terms, but when the shoes on the other foot they don't want to be associated with the party which I think is unfair.

And BTW it was a European Candidate.

And I have recently joined YFG.

dave-higgz

Dinner wrote: »

How ridiculously childish. What is it, you want to feel like the mad yoke so you and the boyz can have a laugh because you drew on election posters?

If you really want to do something then grow up and get involved. Campaign for the candidate that you want elected, or join the youth section of whatever party you think would do the best job.

But sticking 2 fingers to the government by scribbling on a lowly potential counsellors poster isn't going to do anything but allow you and your mates to give each other congratulatory pats on the back.

I already do that but I'm still going out with the step ladder Come on like, it's Shay Brennan :eek:

Dinner

Reillyman wrote: »

I agree the tactics are childish. But don't you agree that trying to fool constituents into thinking your not with FF by having a miniscule logo is childish? If FF members can't be proud of their party, how are we expected to be proud of them in government?

People will see this poster with a blue background and think its an independant, I'm just highlighting the fact that this person is running for FF.

Politicians, local and European, were all too happy to take credit for FF's successful few terms, but when the shoes on the other foot they don't want to be associated with the party which I think is unfair.

And BTW it was a European Candidate.

And I have recently joined YFG.

With the attention that the small logo has gotten, it would be a big surprise if it has passed anybody by. And more to the point, on election day there will be no ambiguity as to what party they belong to.

Also, the small logo seems to be widespread, so I guess that the basic design came down from higher up where the decision was made to lay them out like that.

Besides, would you rather look at a huge picture of Bertie's gleaming face like in the General Election :pac:

turgon

Reillyman wrote: »

And I have recently joined YFG.

And your idea of helping Fine Gael is to come on here and tell us about the marker job you did on one of the FF candidates? Is that supposed to inspire confidence in us for Fine Gael?

Reillyman

turgon wrote: »

And your idea of helping Fine Gael is to come on here and tell us about the marker job you did on one of the FF candidates? Is that supposed to inspire confidence in us for Fine Gael?

No. My idea was to come on here and ask about the legality of writing on election posters, not to brag about it. The YFG comment is a reply to a previous person who said why not get involved in a organisation... and no it's not supposed to inspire confidence in FG, it's to extinguish confidence in FF...

nesf

Reillyman wrote: »

Really? But Politicians do? They can spread their propaganda but we can't spread ours?

Join as a candidate and you can pay to put up as many posters as you want. Otherwise, cop on and stop acting like a child. Democracy involves having to give people you fundamentally disagree with a voice. Deal with it.

Reillyman

nesf wrote: »

Otherwise, cop on and stop acting like a child.quote]

As I've said before, I know it's a childish method, but believe me, there are twice as many adults spoiling election posters than "kids". TBH I couldn't give a sh1te if you think im "acting like a child". Your missing the point of the thread, is it illegal to deface election posters? I've heard many different views on this, can anyone give a specific law?

nesf

Reillyman wrote: »

As I've said before, I know it's a childish method, but believe me, there are twice as many adults spoiling election posters than "kids". TBH I couldn't give a sh1te if you think im "acting like a child". Your missing the point of the thread, is it illegal to deface election posters? I've heard many different views on this, can anyone give a specific law?

If you didn't want people replying to you from a political perspective you should have posted here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=633

You can't ask for legal advice but start a thread inquiring whether it's illegal to deface/damage or remove election posters and you should be able to get an answer.

Pride Fighter

Reillyman wrote: »

I agree the tactics are childish. But don't you agree that trying to fool constituents into thinking your not with FF by having a miniscule logo is childish? If FF members can't be proud of their party, how are we expected to be proud of them in government?

People will see this poster with a blue background and think its an independant, I'm just highlighting the fact that this person is running for FF.

Politicians, local and European, were all too happy to take credit for FF's successful few terms, but when the shoes on the other foot they don't want to be associated with the party which I think is unfair.

And BTW it was a European Candidate.

And I have recently joined YFG.

You are mad, vandalising an election poster. So this is what O'Duffy youth is up to these days:rolleyes:.

Agent Smith

Reillyman wrote: »

No. My idea was to come on here and ask about the legality of writing on election posters, not to brag about it. The YFG comment is a reply to a previous person who said why not get involved in a organisation... and no it's not supposed to inspire confidence in FG, it's to extinguish confidence in FF...

If you really wanted to Help Out your Local FG Candidates, rather then defacing Other people posters, which they have a right to put up, You should Contact YFG head quarters and Ask to be put in contact with someone in your area looking for help postering/canvassing/letter dropping.

If you want to pm, I can pass your details on.


Defacing people's posters is neither big nor clever. you say you've recently Joined YFG. What about the hundreds of YFG members that are Putting up posters, (myself included) or the YFG members themselves that are running in the local elections?

eoin5

Reillyman wrote: »

nesf wrote: »

Otherwise, cop on and stop acting like a child.quote]

As I've said before, I know it's a childish method, but believe me, there are twice as many adults spoiling election posters than "kids". TBH I couldn't give a sh1te if you think im "acting like a child". Your missing the point of the thread, is it illegal to deface election posters? I've heard many different views on this, can anyone give a specific law?

Election posters are someones property and its illegal to damage property, public or private.

Onearmedbandit

I noticed the tiny fianna fail logo's on the candidates in my area too and i was about to start a thread about it.
There is one guy in my area (harken) and the logo is so small that you would think he is an independent.

When you compare the FF posters to the others the contrast is amusing. Everyone else has huge brand logo's and colours
on their posters. I presume its to avoid the candidates getting canned because of their association with FF might lead to voter backlash.

Either way election posters are horrible looking things and they never take there cable ties with them when they take them down.

Abelloid

There is the possibility the posters are breaking the law just by being displayed, check for a printer's imprint.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1995/en/si/0297.html#zzsi297y1995a101

Bob Z

Reillyman wrote: »

I agree the tactics are childish. But don't you agree that trying to fool constituents into thinking your not with FF by having a miniscule logo is childish? If FF members can't be proud of their party, how are we expected to be proud of them in government?

People will see this poster with a blue background and think its an independant, I'm just highlighting the fact that this person is running for FF.

Politicians, local and European, were all too happy to take credit for FF's successful few terms, but when the shoes on the other foot they don't want to be associated with the party which I think is unfair.

And BTW it was a European Candidate.

And I have recently joined YFG.

IS this official Young Fine Gael Policy?

Reillyman

Bob Z wrote: »

IS this official Young Fine Gael Policy?

No. This is absolutely nothing to do with YFG. I had done this before i joined. As I already stated, the YFG comment was a reply to someone saying that I should get involved.

realismpol

To be honest the politicians are very lucky if the worst they get away with is people defacing election posters. I know people who told me they will set their dogs loose on them if they show up at the door or give them a bollocking such is the level of anger amongst people

On the posters its total overkill. No lampost is safe.They have plastered the place with them. They seem to have gone up almost overnight in my area. Defacing has already occured on some i notice with hilarious consequences.

Defacing election posters is something that runs through everyones mind but to be honest whats the point. Its a poster. The best thing to do is just ignore it like i ignore all the politicans and what they have to say which is nothing of consequence. Same ole same ole.

selephonic

nesf wrote: »

More importantly you need to grasp that no matter how much you disagree with someone they have a right in elections to put up posters and you do not have the right to deface them, remove them or do anything else to them. You don't get to decide what other people see.

On the other hand, if the posters are low enogh for someone to draw on then they may infringing on the rules that they must not be below 2.5 meters.

kevinkilbane

Reillyman wrote: »

I'm a 17 year-old 5th year student, who is seriously p****d off with this government, majority of which is Fianna Fáil. I was amused/maddened to see that the FF election posters feature a tiny Fianna Fáil logo. So me and my permanent market went and put a large arrow pointing to the party's logo, and added a "ure" to the end of Fianna Fáil. Done this to about 3 posters on a 100m stretch of road. Turns out this guy followed me to school, and tried to give me a bollocking.

"Why did ya do that?"

"Because this Government led by Fianna Fáil is a disgrace and has ruined this country!"

"Well we'll see what the gaurds say."

So on he goes to ring the gaurds, puts me on the phone to them, they ask me for my name, address, etc,(which I give). He asks what I done,so I tell him the story, how I only targeted FF posters and he says that he'll go out and have a look at them or something, and not to do it again.

Was just wondering, is this illegal? And if so, what can happen?

reillyman, first off, you seem to regret doing it, you know it was childish and so on.

ive read the comments on the thread and i cant see why people are annoyed, people come on, hes 17, and a school child. if this is the worst thing hes done, then so what its only a little prank. its only a arrow pointing out the obvious small writing. and he prob got the "ure" from the papers, and it was funny to himself and the lads.

the only thing i want to know reillyman was who this man was that followed you? was he someone putting up the posters? was he just some random guy on the street?
someone pointed out above that, is it more worrying that a man followed a boy to school.

nesf

selephonic wrote: »

On the other hand, if the posters are low enogh for someone to draw on then they may infringing on the rules that they must not be below 2.5 meters.

Yeah, I wish they enforced it and removed the low ones.

P_1

Just a quick election poster related question.

I have the dubious pleasure of having to look at a poster of a big bald FF* candidate thats literally right on my bedrom window every morning the for the past week. I'm seriously contemplating taking this poster down at this stage. Can the various parties be contacted and requested not to put posters up on certain poles?

*it does not matter what party this candidate represents, the bloody poster is blocking the light from my getting into my bedroom.

nesf

pithater1 wrote: »

Just a quick election poster related question.

I have the dubious pleasure of having to look at a poster of a big bald FF* candidate thats literally right on my bedrom window every morning the for the past week. I'm seriously contemplating taking this poster down at this stage. Can the various parties be contacted and requested not to put posters up on certain poles?

*it does not matter what party this candidate represents, the bloody poster is blocking the light from my getting into my bedroom.

If its a public lamppost I don't think you get to request that they don't. Also if you remove it the spot will most likely be claimed be some other candidate. Good lamppost space is at a premium at the moment.

karlh

JustinOval wrote: »

There is the possibility the posters are breaking the law just by being displayed, check for a printer's imprint.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1995/en/si/0297.html#zzsi297y1995a101

so if a poster is violating one of these laws then surely it is one's civic duty to remove the offending article?

Sleazus

Reillyman wrote: »

Really? But Politicians do? They can spread their propaganda but we can't spread ours?

I don't in way condone the what you did - I think it's childish, immature and offensive. But what happened to the old 'cheeky' election posters?

I mean the old, old ones that weren't afraid to put the boot in and get their point across in a satirical manner, like this sort of stuff listed here.

“Devvy’s Circus, absolutely the greatest road show in Ireland today – Senor De Valera, world famous illusionist, oath swallower and escapologist. See his renowned act. Escaping from the strait-jacket of the Republic.”

Parties just don't put the effort in, and for what? Candidate headshots. Being honest, it isn't like we're a nation of lookers...

karlh

Sleazus wrote: »

I don't in way condone the what you did - I think it's childish, immature and offensive.

you really find him writing 'ure' on an election poster offensive? :eek:

I find it refreshing that someone who isn't even of voting age is angry enough at the shambles of a government we have to make a statement.

givyjoe81

eoin5 wrote: »

Reillyman wrote: »

Election posters are someones property and its illegal to damage property, public or private.

Come off it, you say that as it they are valuable or something! Lets see how quick these guys are to go and retrieve their property once the elections are over.

Grudaire

karlh wrote: »

you really find him writing 'ure' on an election poster offensive? :eek:

I find it refreshing that someone who isn't even of voting age is angry enough at the shambles of a government we have to make a statement.

But at what stage does it stop. There's a line that shouldn't be crossed, and I think that that crosses the line. Not meaning to sound melodramatic, but at what stage does it become unacceptable to you? Vandalism of private property is not a form of political expression.

The fact of the matter is that this is the government that we democratically elected (whether we admit it or not), is it only now that everyone is giving out that he is allowed to 'make a statement' (a very odd way of putting things - making a youtube video with their opinions sounds more like making a statement to me), what happens if it was a FFer pulling down FG posters - is that ok?

j1smithy

What the OP did was very childish and deserved the stern words he got. But what I'm more interested in is why a 17yo still in secondary school student is so "angry" with the government? In all fairness, the youth of today have never had it so good and the cutbacks have not directly impacted on him I imagine. I could understand if he were a graduate coming out to an empty jobs market, but he should have at least 4 more years of education ahead of himself. Probably to come out when the economy is in better shape tbh.

Fighting Irish

I'd probably do that on the spur of the moment coming home drunk some night, but to actually go out and do it like you're trying to save the country or some sh1t is fairly stupid

Fighting Irish

j1smithy wrote: »

What the OP did was very childish and deserved the stern words he got. But what I'm more interested in is why a 17yo still in secondary school student is so "angry" with the government? In all fairness, the youth of today have never had it so good and the cutbacks have not directly impacted on him I imagine. I could understand if he were a graduate coming out to an empty jobs market, but he should have at least 4 more years of education ahead of himself. Probably to come out when the economy is in better shape tbh.

doubt it

karlh

j1smithy wrote: »

But what I'm more interested in is why a 17yo still in secondary school student is so "angry" with the government? In all fairness, the youth of today have never had it so good and the cutbacks have not directly impacted on him I imagine.

maybe he's just smart and is more than a little miffed that the people who mismanaged our country to the brink of ruin are plastering their smiling faces on every street corner.

maybe his dad got laid off...

maybe his school is falling apart...

maybe a family member is waiting for an operation...

maybe his parents cant afford the increased fees to send him to college...

maybe his siblings are emigrating...

there's a little more than 'the cutbacks' going on here and it's ridiculous to say that the 'youth of today have never had it so good'. once the pocket money dries up, the youth of today are looking at growing up in a country with no future - high unemployment, high taxes, high emigration and the same shít weather.

MikeC101

Sleazus wrote: »

I don't in way condone the what you did - I think it's childish, immature and offensive. But what happened to the old 'cheeky' election posters?

I mean the old, old ones that weren't afraid to put the boot in and get their point across in a satirical manner, like this sort of stuff listed here.



Parties just don't put the effort in, and for what? Candidate headshots. Being honest, it isn't like we're a nation of lookers...

Thanks for bringing that link to my attention. Some very good stuff there.

It might not be a terrible idea for a candidate to try that approach, who knows, it might work out well.

squonk

Frankly the candidates are smart enough about putting them up, and then ther's also the rubbish they send through our letterboxes without any real message. Everything gets vandalised, your car, your bike, your house even so why not these posters? Personally I find them bland and cynical and I am inclined to think that it was a good move onthe part of the 17yo to do this. Why? because the candidates themselves are pushing a bland poster in our faces with a headshot. Good luck on getting any kind of policy on there. They also don't seem to mind annoying us as witnessed by the tiny logo on the FF posters. I find those annoying because, if you're aligned with a party, then state it and don't try some crummy attempt at making yourself look 'independent' when you clearly are not. I fyou believe your party is that bad, then run as an independent at least or join another party. IMHO that candidate was lucky it was just an 'ure' that was added to their poster. I'd have added a whole lot more if I was doing it. I commend the 17yo on their uncommon restraint.

Grudaire

squonk wrote: »

Everything gets vandalised, your car, your bike, your house even so why not these posters?

Why not your face?*






*meant to highlight the absurdity of the statement

squonk

Cliste wrote: »

Why not your face?*






*meant to highlight the absurdity of the statement

How is that absurd? You've never had bits removed from your car, or a bit stolen off your bike? Lots of other things can happen as well. I'm delighted you are living such a fortunate life. I hope it continues for you.

My point is that putting these posters out ensures that a certain percentage are going to be vandalised and acting surprised when they do isn't really on. Given also the emotive nature of such posters and people's opinions on politics, it adds to the odds that some vandalisation will take place.

Grudaire

squonk wrote: »

How is that absurd? You've never had bits removed from your car, or a bit stolen off your bike? Lots of other things can happen as well. I'm delighted you are living such a fortunate life. I hope it continues for you.

My point is that putting these posters out ensures that a certain percentage are going to be vandalised and acting surprised when they do isn't really on. Given also the emotive nature of such posters and people's opinions on politics, it adds to the odds that some vandalisation will take place.

I know that it WILL happen - but you've made the point that it SHOULD be done - that's what I have a problem with

jhegarty

j1smithy wrote: »

What the OP did was very childish and deserved the stern words he got. But what I'm more interested in is why a 17yo still in secondary school student is so "angry" with the government? In all fairness, the youth of today have never had it so good and the cutbacks have not directly impacted on him I imagine. I could understand if he were a graduate coming out to an empty jobs market, but he should have at least 4 more years of education ahead of himself. Probably to come out when the economy is in better shape tbh.

Yes, how dare someone take a stand about something that doesn't directly affect them. That's not the way Irish politics works.

DrumSteve

nesf wrote: »

Join as a candidate and you can pay to put up as many posters as you want. Otherwise, cop on and stop acting like a child. Democracy involves having to give people you fundamentally disagree with a voice. Deal with it.

if he's 17 he cant vote yet though.... maybe its the only thing he can do.

some of us have felt like doing it too.

Grudaire

DrumSteve wrote: »

if he's 17 he cant vote yet though.... maybe its the only thing he can do.

some of us have felt like doing it too.

He's also a member of Fine Gael... (post incident)

Thats what he can do. Now can the rest of you can "cop on and stop acting like a child[ren]. Democracy involves having to give people you fundamentally disagree with a voice. Deal with it." (thanks nesf)

nesf

DrumSteve wrote: »

if he's 17 he cant vote yet though.... maybe its the only thing he can do.

some of us have felt like doing it too.

Join the youth wing of a party of your preference. I'm sure they can find ways to put your idle hands to use.

InFront

Fighting Irish wrote: »

I'd probably do that on the spur of the moment coming home drunk some night, but to actually go out and do it like you're trying to save the country or some sh1t is fairly stupid

I think the opposite, I think in a situation where you're out of your own control and just doing it because you can, your case would be worse.

It's wrong to deface someone else's property. But on the other hand, Like karlh said, it's refreshing to see someone who gives a damn enough about the country to take some sort of stand, especially when they can't even legally vote yet.

OP next time try to channel your energy into something more constructive perhaps, but it is great to see you're enthusiastic enough to make a stand on this.

nesf

InFront wrote: »

OP next time try to channel your energy into something more constructive perhaps, but it is great to see you're enthusiastic enough to make a stand on this.

Pfft, you're only saying that because of the colour of his shirt!

Reillyman

j1smithy wrote: »

But what I'm more interested in is why a 17yo still in secondary school student is so "angry" with the government? In all fairness, the youth of today have never had it so good and the cutbacks have not directly impacted on him I imagine. I could understand if he were a graduate coming out to an empty jobs market, but he should have at least 4 more years of education ahead of himself. Probably to come out when the economy is in better shape tbh.

My god...I have seen some ignorant comments on Boards but this one takes the biscuit. Are you that narrow minded to think that it's only "adults" or "the unemployed" that are affected by the way things are?
I'll tell you how it has "directly affected" me.

There is €400 less coming into my house every 2 weeks as a result of the Government "pension levy".

I have tried and failed to get a job for the summer.

I face the prospect of having to pay third-level fees next year.

Our school couldn't field a football team as a result of education cutbacks.

There only a few reasons, not that its any of your business anyway. So in future, don't just think this recession is affecting workers and the like.

Reillyman

karlh wrote: »

I find it refreshing that someone who isn't even of voting age is angry enough at the shambles of a government we have to make a statement.

Ya cheers man. I think it really important that young people take an interest in politics, especially under the present climate. It's amazing how many of my friends openely say they "wouldn't bother voting" and "it makes no difference" bla bla bla.