Safety pack published for election candidates in Cork and across the country 

Coimisiún na Meán and An Garda Síochána have published an information safety pack for all election candidates running in the upcoming general election,while the ESB issued a warning regarding poster placement.

The pack offers guidance for candidates on what to do if they are faced with harmful or illegal content or behaviour online, and contains information on different types of scenarios that might arise during the campaign and what steps candidates can be taken.

“It is important everyone feels free to participate in the electoral process, whether they are engaging in real life or online,” Deputy Commissioner, Policing Operations at An Garda Síochána, Shawna Coxon, said.

John Evans, digital services commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, added: 

“We’re also engaging with online platforms on their preparations for the election and we expect them to play their part in ensuring that people can make free, fair, and informed choices about where to cast their vote.”

Ahead of the recent local and European elections, An Garda Síochána appointed liaison inspectors in each division nationwide to help keep all those participating safe while campaigning. 

These officers will also be available to candidates in the forthcoming general election.

Cork City’s Division Liaison Inspector is James Hallahan, while for Cork County, candidates can contact Inspector Eamonn Brady or Inspector John O’ Connell.

In addition, garda divisional crime prevention officers are available to take a report of any incident, and can be contacted by contacting any garda station, while anyone who finds themselves in immediate danger should call 999/112.

The Garda National Community Engagement Bureau has also inputted into a recent safety guide for female election candidates, which provides important guidance and advice on how best they can protect themselves and their election teams.

ESB Networks has also reminded all groups and parties involved in the upcoming election that the erection of candidate posters on electricity poles is strictly prohibited and poses a serious safety risk to members of the public as well as ESB Networks staff and contractors.

Attaching anything to electricity poles exposes individuals to the risk of electric shock, burns and falling from a height, with posters attached to poles having previously caused poles to catch fire and fall.

The removal of posters from electricity poles can pose significant safety risks to ESB Networks staff, which can result in severe injuries.

Anyone who sees a potentially dangerous situation should contact ESB Networks on their 24/7 emergency phone number: 1800 372 999.