FG 'excites' Treaty Debate With Posters

No Fine Gael politicians were harmed in the creation of these controversial Lisbon Treaty posters, campaigners insisted yesterday.

It was confirmed that neither Enda Kenny, Leo Varadkar or Richard Bruton offered their torsos for the poster campaign entitled "Enlarge your opportunities: Vote Yes to Lisbon".

And like all previous cases, they insisted that while their models did not come from the Fine Gael frontbench, they were Fine Gael supporters.

President of Young Fine Gael Barry Walsh said: "Personally, I've never seen Enda with his shirt off. It could be him for all I know but I think the standard line we use, in relation to our models, is that they're all Fine Gael supporters, at least."

He said the movie posters were designed to be "controversial in tone" and to "excite imaginations" while portraying a strong pro-European message.

The other poster, depicting a female model holding up two melons, is entitled "Enhance your opportunities: Vote Yes to Lisbon".

"Our campaign is an attempt to change the staged, dry nature of European referenda," said Mr Walsh.

However, as the referendum is scheduled for June 12 when many college students and some Leaving Certificate students are still sitting exams, he said turnout would be affected.

Some 4,000 members of Young Fine Gael will take to the doorsteps relaying the arguments for voting "Yes".

April 11, 2008