'No way that's real' - People divided as kids given Danny Healy-Rae branded colouring pencils
Danny Healy-Rae is seeking re-election to the Dáil in the Kerry constituency in the General Election on November 29
Social media users have been left divided after pictures of Danny Healy-Rae branded colouring pencils given to kids in Kerry emerged.
A parent in Kerry posted the picture of the box of colouring pencils emblazoned with a photograph of the Kerry TD and the words, "Vote No.1. I'm on your side." The TD's phone number is also included on the box. The General Election campaign is in full swing with voters going to the polls on November 29.
The parent wrote on X: "Just when you think you’ve seen it all… my six year old came home with these today."
A number of people took issue with schoolchildren being given branded election material in this way. One wrote: "Perhaps I’m odd but, it doesn’t sit right with me that any politician would promote themselves by targeting young children with their hand-outs. It’s like they’re circumventing. Canvass those of voting age, only."
Danny Healy-Rae has posted pictures on his own social media account of him visiting a number of schools during the campaign, twice to congratulate different schools on GAA trophy successes.
Another reply to the picture of the colouring pencils read: "Were these given out at school? I’d be more worried that a school is allowing candidates (strangers) into a school and promoting politics (surely they should be unbiased)."
Others could hardly believe the election colouring pencils were real. One commented, "can't be genuine", while a second said, "no way that's real."
The original poster said, "oh, it is very much real," and a second parent added, "mine got these too last week and a pen! They were only delighted."
Some other people saw the funny side of it with one saying, "that’s the most Irish thing I’ve ever seen," while another labelled it "brilliant."
Danny Healy-Rae has been contacted for comment on this story.