Lib Dem lamppost political propaganda

The Western Isles Liberal Democrats have applied a self-imposed ban on displaying what they call “political propaganda” from lampposts.

A crowded array of rival party political placards jostling for space from tall poles and signposts along public roads traditionally offers a visible and colourful signal that an election is afoot.

But how successful are they at raising voter awareness, queries Ruaraidh Ferguson, the Lib Dem’s island candidate for the May general election.

Mr Ferguson pointed out: “Lampposts can’t vote and given the digital age we live in surely there are more effective ways of promoting our campaigns which don't intrude on or annoy others.”

Calling on all island parties to follow his lead, he said: “The Western Isles Liberal Democrats have this year taken the decision that they will not be defacing the lamp posts and street furniture of the Western Isles with political propaganda.”

He suggested there is an “environmental consequence” over “rubbish and litter” caused by these posters, during and after the election with many people having “negatively commented” on the visual pollution.

He suggested supporters of rival parties vandalise their opponents’ posters, a covert practice which he believes has escalated.

However, the other political foes - SNP, Labour, Conservatives and the Scottish Christian party - contesting the island election are unlikely to follow suit. In any case, they have additional volunteers at the ready to stick up even more posters into the spaces helpfully vacated by the Lib Dems.

Lib Dems self-imposed ban on lamppost political propaganda

1 April 2015