Shauna Ridge of the Independent Ireland Party has decided to not hang election posters for her campaign. Instead, she has chosen to donate the money that would have been used to charity.
Ridge believes that election posters are not necessary, that by actively engaging with the community speaking you are getting your name out. “ I have decided not to hang election posters for my campaign. They are a nuisance to people and litter our lovely city. I personally believe that if you are calling to houses, chatting to locals and getting involved, that posters are not necessary,” she said.
The newly joined member of the Independent Ireland Party has chosen to donate the money that would have been used on posters to charity, and she feels other candidates and councillors should follow suit.
Ridge stated, “I have decided to donate the money that would have been used instead to a charity and it would be great to see more candidates and councillors decide to do the same. The amount of money wasted on posters is ridiculous when that money could be used for good elsewhere”.
Running in the local elections for the first time, Ridge has decided to donate fresh fruit and water weekly to the Bohermore Youth Matters Club. Based in Bohermore, they distribute food to people in need in Eyre Square on a Tuesday night.
Ridge praised the work being done by the Bohermore Youth Matters Club: “The number of homeless people in Galway and people who are struggling to get by is shocking. These are residents from Bohermore who decided to come together to selflessly dedicate their Tuesdays to feeding people in Eyre Square. It is fantastic to see the youth involved, and also the dedication these young kids have walking the streets to raise awareness and offer food to people in need.”
“We are five weeks out from the elections now, if you haven’t printed posters yet, don’t. Donate the money to worthy causes and give back to your community,” concluded Ridge.
