A new political group called Protect Rural Ireland is holding its first canvas today in Portlaoise.

They're hoping to unseat a number of politicians in the next general election - today's target is Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Charlie Flanagan.

The group is not putting forward any election candidates itself - just focusing on damaging the chances of any politician who supports the contstruction of wind farms or pylons.

But spokesperson Henry Fingleton rejected claims of negative campaigning: