The dangers of running for election when you're on Facebook

This is Emma Kiernan, a Fine Gael local election candidate for Newbridge Town Council. As has been pointed out (by Evert Bopp and others), she has some colourful pictures on Facebook (for the full pic, go here: I cropped the other faces out).

I honestly don't know whether this will help or hinder her attempt to get elected (or whether it was cunningly conceived as a PR stunt). But to all those running for election: make sure you're happy with your publicly-accessible Facebook images.

Edit: (7pm) Kiernan has taken the picture down and protected her Facebook page. Sensible!

Comments

[Jason O'Mahony]

She might lose a few votes from the John Charles McQuaid Sub Committee For The Saving of Souls crowd, but so what? There's a whole generation of 30 something voters out there with pics like this, and she's just after connecting with them.

[Orlaith]

As first impressions go I personally wouldn't be inclined to vote for someone that would be so naieve as to have photos of themselves like this available on a public forum while contesting an election.

I accept completely that what people get up to in their private lives is their own business but if you're running for election and you're happy to portray this type of image then don't expect me to take you seriously off the bat. Although I'm sure she's cracking company on a night out I wouldn't be so confident that she could successfully intervene on my behalf in a planning dispute. It's a completely illogical reaction of course, but image is a powerful thing.

For one thing it shows a certain lack of political savvy. I would have doubts as to that person's judgement on other issues too. I'm all for women's participation in politics so I commend her for sticking her neck out. I hope we can get away from the type of sexual stereotyping that attaches itself to female politicians, 'luscious Liz' O'Donnell being the most notable one. Unfortunately for this woman I don't think she's done herself any favours here.

[sam]

the offending "content" has been removed:)

[Aaron]

So hang on, there's politicians going down for real corruption, there's the blowout over the 2002 sweetheart deal with various orders, and so on and so forth, and people are outraged that (shock, horror) local politician = human being?

Sheesh kebab.

To my mind, it only raises her profile and makes her more than a face on a lamp post.

[Antoin O Lachtnain]

Go Emma! I am glad to see that Emma was elected. I think she is a fine looking, well-built young woman and has nothing to be ashamed of.

[sex stereotypes]

haha she is going to be stereotyped as a party girl, and she may not be taken seriously by some folks, but her voice and actions are going to speak for her, so good for her, she deserves some relaxation time.

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