ALAN SHATTER IS not shy about putting out election paraphernalia that is a bit different to what voters usually get through their letter box.

While others might opt for an informative but boring campaign leaflet, the Fine Gael TD goes for modest productions, like putting himself on TIME magazine…

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… or comparing himself to Star Trek’s William Shatner…

Irish Election Literature Irish Election Literature

… or producing constituency newsletters featuring exclusive interviews with, er, Alan Shatter:

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But while the leaflets may change, one thing that’s been consistent is his campaign balls. Tennis balls, that is.

Shatter has produced the colourful bouncy balls, with the slogan ‘Shatter is on the ball’, for every election he’s fought going right back to the 1980s.

So what’s up with those balls?

I think it’s important sometimes, when you are engaged on an important and serious endeavour, to smile and bring some smiles to the faces of people.

Shatter added that the balls are remembered far more than any campaign leaflet, ever.

There’s much more from a wide-ranging interview with Alan Shatter on TheJournal.ie this weekend. 

Read: 7 reasons why Alan Shatter is like no other politician