Does this constitute false advertising?
Monday, April 30th, 2007I recently predicted that, on word of the 29th Dáil being dissolved, my constituency would become coated in candidate’s posters despite been quite quiet until such a time - I was right. However, something about Fianna Fail’s offerings struck me.
Sure, FF’s 2007 election campaign is centred heavily around Mr. Bertie Ahern, as Harry McGee points out, and I understand that every constituency’s FF candidates has a poster proclaiming them to be part of “Bertie’s Team”.
I also recognise that putting the candidate’s surname first in huge letters and the forename second in tiny letters is a standard practice in election poster mechanics.
But with all that in mind, couldn’t this count somewhat as false advertising?
God forbid anyone here in Dublin North West thinks that Bertie Ahern is running for election in their area. Then again, I’m sure Noel wouldn’t want to pick up votes just because people like his brother and would be quick to correct any such error.
(Oh, and oddly enough I’ve yet to see a poster for either FF Dub. NW candidate, both of whom are sitting TDs, that features their picture - they all have Bertie on them.)
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May 1st, 2007 at 12:25 pm
We have Bertie’s mug looking down on us here in Wexford as well. The man sure gets around.
May 1st, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Was making my way into town today, which means I pass through Bertie’s Country (Dublin Central). His posters there are the exact same, just with the names at the bottoms changed… compared to Dub. NW, the image and first name are practically the same, with the only the names below that changing… very confusing if you’re not paying attention!
May 3rd, 2007 at 12:47 am
I’ve seen a good few Pat Carey ones around but still no sign of Noel; v strange.
May 3rd, 2007 at 12:53 am
I actually spotted some Noel ones today - they’ve been put over some of the “Bertie’s Team” ones around my way.
No sign of Pat though - and frankly I think it’s his seat that is probably under the biggest threat from the likes of Ellis, who was just pipped at the post in 2002.
May 3rd, 2007 at 3:33 am
They must be targeting different parts of the constituency in order to spread the FF vote, cos I’m seeing Pat everywhere; he’s the only candidate who’s called to our door so far.
Ellis is definitely a major threat, but unless he gets enough first preferences, he’s unlikely to pick up enough transfers from anyone else to get elected. My money’s on it being Ahern, Shorthall and Carey again.
May 3rd, 2007 at 6:58 pm
This interesting post by Fergus Cassidy might go some way to explain this - perhaps the places I’m looking are more FF-friendly, while your own area is a “DK” or even (gasp!) FG area.
Fair point on Ellis not having many to transfer from - but looking at the figures he had the third biggest 1st pref vote in 2002 and could take transfers from the left-wing candidates such as Owen Martin and John O’Neill - both almost certain to crash out early. There’s also the FF issue, and there are a fair few FF voters who would prefer FF/SF to FG/Lab, or even FF/Lab.
If it’s worth anything, Paddy Power have Carey at 4/5 odds of re-election, compared to Ellis’ 1/5, Shorthall’s 1/5 and Noel Ahern’s 1/20.
I think it’s fair to say that Carey should be worried.