The Chief Herald of Ireland was among objectors to an advertisement offering Irish titles for sale. His complaint has been upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland in its latest adjudications.
The ASAI complaints committee considered an Irish titles advertisement in Cara magazine at its October meeting. Complainants said claims about the benefits of acquiring the "titles" were misleading.
The Chief Herald said he knew of no basis for claims that the titles were "fully recognised by all governments" or included the right to use "Lord/Lady" as a title.
The advertisers, Bailey, O'Rourke & Co, claimed that according to Irish law, manorial lordships were covered by property laws and might legally pass down via a will or conveyance.
The ASAI said terms such as "exemplary ancient lineage and honour", "selection board" and "Master Heraldic Officer" were likely to confuse or mislead.
A complaint to the ASAI about a Bank of Ireland radio advertisement was made on the grounds that it gave the impression that changes to be introduced would benefit all customers. The bank stated that the campaign was about its commitment to deliver a programme of 100 steps to better banking. It did not expect that every step would positively benefit every customer.
The ASAI said the complaint centred on the word "all" and requested the bank to review the advertisement with a view to its modification and clarification.
Other complaints which were upheld related to a radio advertisement for the Sheridan Imax "Thrill Ride"; a press advertisement for Lynch Family Hotels about an autumn sale; and an advertisement in a Great Southern Hotels Group brochure which stated incorrectly that there was crazy golf at the Torc Hotel.
Among the complaints rejected was one about a press advertisement for Leptavoid-H as a treatment for bovine leptospirosis and infertility in cattle. Objectors considered the heading "Like most farmers, he has a fertility problem" insulting to farmers. The ASAI committee noted that, while complainants had found the advertisement objectionable, it did not appear to have caused widespread offence. It had been withdrawn.
Complaints from Earthwatch/ Friends of the Earth Ireland, the Green Party and individuals about a Shell (Pura) Petrol campaign were rejected. The committee stated that consumers in general would be well aware from the volume of environmental information that emissions from all petrol engines were harmful to the environment.