PRIESTS in the Co Kerry parish of Killarney have put up giant banners in
local church grounds encouraging their flock to flock to the ballot
boxes.
Eight-feet high banners have been placed in the grounds of St Mary’s
Cathedral, the Church of the Resurrection and the Church of the Holy
Spirit in Muckross asking parishioners not to reject politics and to
make sure that they exercise their democratic right on February 25.
The banner outside the Church of the Resurrection reads: “No rejection of election. Vote — it’s so precious” while the signs on the grounds of the cathedral and at Muckross read: “Have your say. Vote — it’s so precious.”
Killarney curate, Fr Kevin McNamara, said the banners were put in place the day after the election was announced with a view to making a positive statement and to encourage people to avoid negativity and blame.
“What we are saying to those over the age of 18 who have a vote is that it is a precious thing and we want to encourage them to have their say.
“We’re just reminding people of their civic duty and all they need do to realise the value of their vote is to look to places like Egypt where the people are being denied their say.”
Fr McNamara confirmed that some people have been upset by the banners and have complained to the priests of the parish.
“There has been a very mixed reaction.
“Some are saying the Church should stay out of politics and concentrate on religion but we are nor preaching about it from the pulpit.
“The banners are outside on the grounds and the intention is to encourage people to acknowledge the precious gift of their vote,” he said.
Fr McNamara added that the signs also send out a message to the politicians that they should treat voters with dignity and respect as they prepare to exercise their right to vote.
“Instead of arguing and sound-biting they should take some time to engage with the people.”
The banner outside the Church of the Resurrection reads: “No rejection of election. Vote — it’s so precious” while the signs on the grounds of the cathedral and at Muckross read: “Have your say. Vote — it’s so precious.”
Killarney curate, Fr Kevin McNamara, said the banners were put in place the day after the election was announced with a view to making a positive statement and to encourage people to avoid negativity and blame.
“What we are saying to those over the age of 18 who have a vote is that it is a precious thing and we want to encourage them to have their say.
“We’re just reminding people of their civic duty and all they need do to realise the value of their vote is to look to places like Egypt where the people are being denied their say.”
Fr McNamara confirmed that some people have been upset by the banners and have complained to the priests of the parish.
“There has been a very mixed reaction.
“Some are saying the Church should stay out of politics and concentrate on religion but we are nor preaching about it from the pulpit.
“The banners are outside on the grounds and the intention is to encourage people to acknowledge the precious gift of their vote,” he said.
Fr McNamara added that the signs also send out a message to the politicians that they should treat voters with dignity and respect as they prepare to exercise their right to vote.
“Instead of arguing and sound-biting they should take some time to engage with the people.”