As soon as the Renua Ireland rabbit was out of the hat, social media was all over it like a heat rash on a topless Irishman in Lanzarote.
In fairness, Lucinda Creighton’s new party does sound a bit like a car model, as in:
“I’m thinking of trading my old banger in for 151 Renua.
?
One wag suggested that
‘Regressive Democrats’ might have been a better fit. Others likened the name to one you’d find on a weight loss product. The Twitterati can be a cruel bunch.
On the plus side, at least the cringeworthy precursor to Renua – #rebootireland – seemed to have been quietly dropped. Best not mention it again.
But before Renua Ireland lose the run of themselves, they would do well to remember that they don’t have a monopoly on silly names when it comes to political parties.
Let’s cast our minds back to the early
’90s when we sniggered into our hands at the unveiling of Democratic Left (what, as opposed to Undemocratic Left?).
We could go back even further, to when the Irish State was still in nappies. The name Fianna Fáil is now ingrained in the national psyche as the once dominant political force in Ireland that helped destroy the country. But just imagine how badly they would have fared if the English translation had appeared on the ballot paper?
Well, would you give your first preference to someone claiming to be a
‘Soldier of Destiny’? Sounds like something from a science fiction book, if you ask me.
Even the Shinners’ moniker falls a bit strange on the ear when it’s translated from the native tongue into the Queen’s English. It would be a much harder sell if their candidates came knocking on our doors looking for a vote for
‘Ourselves’. Sure who else would they be talking about?
Relax, I’m just poking a bit of fun at all the attention the Renua Ireland name has received. They will, of course, ultimately be judged on their achievements or failures.
Whether you agree with her pro-life views or not, Lucinda Creighton is an able politician and sacrificed a ministerial career on a point of personal principle. And as we well know, principles are sadly lacking in Irish politics.
As their action-packed Friday the 13th (they should have checked the calendar!) launch day showed, they are certainly up there with the best of the parties in terms of car crash radio interviews and political obfuscation.
Whatever about Terence Flanagan’s
‘brain freeze’ on Mary Wilson’s
‘Drivetime’ (now there’s a professional broadcaster with compassion), that night’s
‘Late Late Show’ was even more revealing. Eddie Hobbs’ attempt to avoid answering a direct question about whether he intended to stand as a candidate made him sound like a seasoned political pro.
He also probably annoyed thousands of public sector workers in one fell swoop – no mean feat for a first day at the office.
He’ll be a shoo-in for a Dáil seat.