Irish satire withdrawn

Press, 4 August 1981, Page 5

Irish satire withdrawn

PA Dunedin The Race Relations Conciliator. Mr-Hiwi Tauroa. has declined to make a formal decision over complaints .about a Cadbury Schweppes Hudson television advertisement. However, he has said that he was in no doubt that the advertisement "is likely to create and perpetuate the negative stereotype of the Irish being of low intelligence." Mr Tauroa said in a letter to the Dunedin company that the advertisement, which de-

picted in satire different nationalities. including the Irish, in a race to consume a toffee lollipop, resulted in two complaints to him that it was insulting and offensive. The company withdrew the advertisement three days before it was scheduled to be withdrawn and referred it to Mr Tauroa. “While it is accepted that the advertisement includes other nationalities, the manner in which the Irish are presented is far more damaging and has been taken as an insult to the Irish." said

Mr Tauroa in his letter. "In considering the current climate of race relations, .in particular the manner in which the Irish are often the butt of jokes." Mr Tauroa said he was in no doubt the advertisement was. likely to perpetuate the negative stereotype. The managing director ol Cadbury Schweppes Hudson (Mr G. Wise) said the campaign involving the television advertisement was now finished and it was not intended to screen the advertisement again.