Sir, - I refer to the letter of (April 8th) from Mr Richard Herriott published in your column. The purpose of advertising is to inform and to provoke a response.
Today in Ireland public expenditure is out of control, our criminal justice system is in crisis, the farmers of Ireland are taking courses in crisis management due to the collapse of their industry. Our education system is in chaos, and the women of Ireland have been failed by our health service. These are amongst the many things that people are saying to Fianna Fail. It is time for our Government to put people before politics.
The Leader of Fianna Fail, Mr Bertie Ahern, more than any other politician in this country over the past decade, has demonstrated an understanding of issues affecting the Irish people and has provided the leadership to place these issues on the public agenda. It is time for change and new leadership. The role of our advertising is to inform the Irish people that they will have an opportunity soon to make changes, providing Ireland with leadership and policy that puts people before politics.
Finally, Mr Herriott refers to an ad campaign. An ad campaign is by definition a series of different ads. I hope that as the campaign unfolds and he gets the opportunity to study Fianna Fail's policies, it will influence him to cast his vote in favour of Fianna Fail ensuring that the next Government will put people before politics. - Yours, etc.,
Chief executive officer,
Arks Advertising,
Harcourt Street,
Dublin 2.