Just the ticket: Gardaí go to SpecSavers to raise funds

THE gardaí have signed their first commercial deal in an attempt to counter hard-hitting financial cutbacks in the force.

From next month, all motor fines issued by gardaí will carry branding by the eyeglasses company SpecSavers, in a deal said to be worth a “substantial six figure sum”. The Department of Justice has confirmed the money generated will be “ring-fenced” and will not be used in general exchequer expenditure.

The deal has sparked fury among opposition politicians and some Garda officers who warn commercial contracts could damage the integrity and independence of the force.

One high-ranking officer, who did not wish to be named, told the Irish Examiner: “It’s an absolute disgrace that we have to resort to this to get funding for what should be provided by Government.”

The idea for the partnership is believed to have come from the creative team behind the successful “Should have gone to SpecSavers” ad campaign.

They felt the branding of motoring fines would be a perfect fit, given the prevalence of sight-related excuses.

A Garda spokesperson acknowledged the deal was unusual but said if it helped generate funding in a recession it should be welcomed.

“It is also humorous and clever because we are always hearing excuses like, ‘I didn’t see the red light, guard’.

“You’d feel like telling them they should get their eyes tested but you can’t really say that. But now they’ll get it in writing with the fine saying, ‘Should have gone to SpecSavers’.”

However, opposition politicians are outraged at the deal.

“This could be the thin end of the wedge,” warned Fine Gael Senator Paul Coghlan. “What’s next? Will we have nurses’ uniforms sponsored by Pfizer?

“Given the day that’s in it, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a joke,” said Mr Coghlan.