A new campaign to stop “out-of-control” drinking in Ireland funded by drinks giant Diageo came under strong criticism over the Diageo link at its launch on Thursday.
Fergus Finlay, chief executive of Barnardos and chair of the Stop Out-of-Control Drinking campaign, said he too was sceptical when first approached by the drinks company, but now accepted the company had “genuine concern” over out-of-control drinking.
“It’s the largest drinks company in Ireland offering to fund a campaign that could affect their sales. But we’ve accepted it’s in good faith.
“Diageo’s role is to pay the bill. The campaign is independent. It’s a people’s campaign.
“There’s a board involved who wouldn’t have any interest in being involved if it wasn’t upfront and honest.”
No ceiling
Mr Finlay said the drinks giant had given the campaign no ceiling on the amount that could be spent.
However, he expected in the first year at least €1 million would be spent on digital and broadcast advertising, aimed at the 30-plus demographic.
Eight public debates on the issue are to be held in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork through March.
People will also be able to submit their experiences and ideas online.
Mr Finlay said the responses will shape what action to take in the five-year plan, which will be published in summer this year.
It was time, he added, for Ireland ended its “toxic and corrosive relationship” with alcohol.
Source: Rachel Flaherty, Irish Times,12/02/15
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