'Don't take shortcuts over lawns and shrubbery'. That is the advice one party is giving its candidates as the countdown continues to the local and European elections.

Fine Gael has issued a DVD to candidates with helpful tips on how to have a successful canvassing session.

They are also being advised not to knock on doors when people are likely to be watching a big match or a crucial soap opera episode.

Cork South-Central Deputy Jerry Buttimer features on the DVD - and told the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk that he has come across some strange situations.

Hear what other advice is offered in the excerpt below: 

Midnight last night marked the starting point from which local election candidates could display their posters.

They must all be taken down again seven days after the poll.

The Minister for the Environment is also reminding the public to check if they're eligible to vote on May 23rd - details are on http://www.checktheregister.ie

But it isn't just posters being used, as this photo from Dublin's Grafton Street shows

But the ESB is advising against using electricity poles as poster sites - saying that contact or near-contact with the electricity network can result in serious injury or fatality.

ESB Networks warning of the dangers of putting election posters on electricity poles.http://t.co/O4KYdupDgo #staysafe

— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) April 23, 2014