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Sinn Féin claim ‘election boob' leaflet was altered

The leaflet was printed as part of Mary Lou McDonald's campaign in central Dublin
The leaflet was printed as part of Mary Lou McDonald's campaign in central Dublin

A SINN Féin election leaflet gaffe prompted a flurry of comments on social media after an unfortunate typo renamed one of the republican movements best known figures.

Images of the pamphlet were circulated on the internet, and featured Sinn Féin vice-president Mary Lou McDonald urging voters to remember the words of "Booby Sands" rather than Bobby Sands.

The literature featured a quote from the hunger striker who was elected MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone: "Everyone, Republican or otherwise, has their part to play".

But rather than his words, it was the apparent typing error that drew attention.

Former UUP candidate Bill Manwaring posted on Twitter: "I've seen 'boobs' made on political leaflets before, but surely this is the most unbelievable #ProofReaderRequired".

And Belfast author Tim Brannigan tweeted: "Dear me. Booby Sands? A typo of Curb Your Enthusiasm proportions. How did no-one see this?"

Ms McDonald is a member of the Dáil for Central Dublin and many expect her to top the poll in the constituency this time around.

Irish voters are going to the polls after Taoiseach Enda Kenny called a general election for February 26.

A spokesman for Sinn Féin claimed on Sunday that the the images of the leaflet were "totally false" and had been altered by opponents of the party.