Fine Gael canvasser suspended over the defacement of opponent’s leaflets

A Fine Gael supporter has been suspended from canvassing after writing derogatory comments on a rival general election candidate’s literature.

The male canvasser, who was supporting Senator Hildegarde Naughton (FG), scribbled “You’re a w**ker and Noel Grealish is a w**ker” in biro on the Independent Galway West TD’s literature.

The leaflet was then posted into the letterbox of a homeowner in Galway, who had a sign up indicating support for Deputy Grealish.

It is understood the incident was caught on CCTV and has been reported to Gardaí.

Fine Gael’s Galway West Director of Elections, Enda Howley, said: “The incident has been investigated by the Constituency Executive and this is not acceptable behaviour by any canvasser.

“This does not represent the views of any of the Fine Gael candidates or the Fine Gael party and especially Hildegarde Naughton. We strongly condemn the actions taken by the individual.

“The culprit involved admitted the actions, apologised to the homeowner involved and this apology was accepted. The culprit has been asked to refrain from any campaigning for the rest of the election.”

Meanwhile, up to 60 general election posters of Fine Gael senator Hildegarde Naughton have been sabotaged in South Mayo, her canvass team claims.

And her party running mate in the Galway West constituency, Mayo TD, John O’Mahony, has been called on to condemn the “dirty tricks” campaign.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune