Election banner battle in Dublin
Tuesday, 24 April 2007 19:39An election banner posted in support of Dublin Fianna Fail TD Ivor Callely will be removed by litter wardens.
Other candidates in Dublin North-Central constituency complained about the banner hung across Fairview foot bridge.
A Dublin City Council spokesman said while it is legal to erect election posters on poles once an election is called, it is illegal to put election material on a bridge at any time.
Mr Callely and his running mate, TD Sean Haughey, are facing a battle to retain two Fianna Fail seats in a constituency that has been reduced to three seats.
Known to colleagues as 'Ivor the Engine' for his enthusiasm, Mr Callely had to resign as Junior Transport Minister in December 2005 after it was revealed that a constuction company paid to paint his house.
Complaining about premature election material, Labour candidate Senator Derek McDowell commented: 'It would seem that Ivor has learned little from the incidents that led to his losing Ministerial office.'
'He knows full well that he is not entitled to do what he's done, but he has gone ahead and done it anyway,' Senator McDowell added.
Posters in support of Independent Dublin North-Central candidate Finian McGrath are also being removed from Alfie Byrne Road.
