Michael Noonan's recent hoodies outburst has prompted a Cork-based merchandise company to launch a range of hoodies in his honour - and top sales are being recorded in Limerick.
The Hoodies v Noonan range features slogans such as "Blue Shirts Out, Blue Hoods In", "Hood Wearers Vote FF", and "Check My Pockets".
This follows the former Fine Gael leader's declaration that the bulk of shoplifting incidents were carried out by people wearing their hoods up and calling for a ban on hoodies in supermarkets and shops in the run-up to Christmas.
But now Larry Ryan of www.spreadshirt.ie says that hoodie-wearers are fighting back. "We've got a huge response to the Hoodies v Noonan range, and most of our sales are in the Limerick area," said Mr Ryan.
"Our top seller is a hoodie saying 'I'm No Robbing Hood', while 'No To Noonan' is also proving very popular. I got the idea when I heard Mr Noonan's outburst. We have a big market in hoodies and I felt I had to do something to stand up for our customers. I couldn't believe what Michael Noonan said.
"I am sure some people use hoodies to protect their identity when shoplifting, but hoodies are a fashion item for people of all ages."
Mr Ryan confirmed that his company would gladly supply an item from the range to Mr Noonan. "I think he might like 'Wear Your Hoodie Morning, Noonan, Night'," - but Mr Noonan's office declined to comment on the range.
