Only people can vote in this week’s local elections - but that does not mean it’s only humans hitting the campaign trail. 

All across Ireland candidates are knocking on doors, leafleting, chatting to supporters - and many take their dogs out with them. 

Out in South Dublin, one-year-old Old English Sheepdog Cosmo is pounding the streets of Dundrum with local candidate Fiona Murray. 

The Fianna Fáiler is “passionate” about dogs and owns six of them. 

“I bred Cosmo as a puppy,” she tells Newtsalk. 

“So, I own his Mum and Dad and I’m obsessed with Old English Sheepdogs. 

“He’s great fun and he’s a crazy dog.” 

By dog standards, Cosmo is something of a celebrity and comes from a family of very well known Old English Sheepdogs. 

“His Dad was the Dulux dog for Ireland and worked for Dulux Ireland and Dulux UK for 10 years,” Ms Murray explains. 

“He’s actually very like his Dad; his Dad also went to Crufts, we love doing all the dog shows and things like that.” 

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Could Cosmo ever trade politics for a life of advertising paint for the homeowners of Ireland? It is, Ms Murray, believes a “possibility”. 

“He has the look, he has the coat,” she says. 

“I suppose it depends on how his temperament [develops] and how much he likes meeting people.” 

Halfway through our conversation a car pulls up and a woman winds down the window to enthuse “how gorgeous” he looks. 

Cosmo may not be on the ballot but he certainly seems like a vote winner. 

A dog for climate action

North of the Liffey in Clontarf another canine companion is out helping their human. 

Poppy belongs to Green Party Councillor Donna Cooney and is dressed for leafleting in a rather fetching handkerchief demanding climate action. 

“She became a member of my family five years ago,” Cllr Cooney explains. 

“I fostered her first of all, she’s a rescue dog. 

“So, I don’t know what her original name was; she was found in my sister’s neighbour’s garden and she was very nervous, very timid but she’s come into her own now - she’s a very confident dog. 

“I couldn’t imagine being without her now, she’s great company and a great addition to our family.” 

Clontarf is a “really good place for dogs” and the pair spend a lot of time together. 

“She comes out with me a lot,” Cllr Cooney says.  

“She comes swimming with me - she doesn’t actually swim, she just sits there and watches me from the steps of the Ladies’ Bathing Shelter. 

“She comes everywhere with me, she comes on climate action activities outside Leinster House.” 

'Just great company'

Not too far away in Santry, Labour candidate John Nisbet is also on the campaign trail with his rescue dog. 

Marble is a terrier/Jack Russell cross from Dogs Trust who Mr Nisbet describes as a “great companion” to the whole family. 

“He comes out leafleting and sniffs every bush, every tree,” he said. 

“And he’s just great company, especially when you’re out on a day like today when there isn’t someone around to help you. 

“You can talk to him and he’s interactive.” 

Although the pair like to go leafleting together, door knocking is out of the question. 

“The reason for that is when you’re knocking at people’s doors, they often have dogs themselves,” Mr Nisbet explains. 

“When a dog sees another dog in his or her driveway, the reaction is mostly fine but sometimes they can be quite aggressive.

“That’s why I don’t bring him canvassing but leafleting he excels at.” 

Given the overwhelming majority of Irish people have a positive attitude towards dogs, perhaps taking them leafleting will help candidates get over the finish line on polling day? We’ll have to wait and see what happens when the votes are counted.

Main image: Poppy, the dog of Donna Cooney. Image: Newstalk.