‘Feck’, ‘drink’ and ‘girls’ still make impression on viewers

MORE than a decade after the final episode of Father Ted, it seems the terms “feck”, “drink” and “girls” are still grabbing the attention of TV viewers.

However, public interest is piqued this time for a very different reason.

Among the latest raft of cases decided on by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) were those seemingly inspired by the ghost of Craggy Island’s foul-mouthed alcoholic Fr Jack Hackett.

While some were upheld, others were thrown out over what was considered to be a complete lack of judgement on the complainants’ part.

But, regardless of the outcomes, you get the impression somewhere on the west coast a less than angelic priest is wondering what all the fuss is about:

* DRINK: Relations between rivals Heineken and Diageo must be icy if it came to this.

In an unusual move, both firms complained about each other to the ASAI.

Heineken Ireland questioned whether Diageo could rightly claim its “Budweiser Ice Cold” TV campaign — which shows an entire room frozen — was misleading to the public.

In particular, the firm said its own tests proved Heineken was in fact colder than the product in question — a statement supported by the ASAI.

Diageo soon hit back by alleging the Heineken advert where a man gains the attention of a sultry brunette by accidently drinking her beer on a train implied the drink increased sexual prowess. The independent advertisement watchdog rejected the complaint.

* FECK: Online sales firm www.dealsolo.ie may well have quoted Fr Jack’s catchphrase to itself after seeing a complaint upheld by the ASAI.

A member of the public alleged a recent radio advert which involved a child shouting that the offers were “feckin’ great” was offensive to listeners.

As the firm declined to respond to the issue, the ASAI upheld the complaint and has banned the advert.

* GIRLS: The Car Buyers Guide is in just as much hot water over its cheeky advert where a girl in hot pants and little else draped herself over a car to help her and her boyfriend sell the vehicle.

A number of people complained over the portrayal of women in the TV campaign. One considered the advert to have “sent a negative message to young girls that their appearance, particularly when in a provocative pose and clothing, could be used to sell things”.

The complaint was upheld, partially because of the Car Buyers Guide’s failure to put up a defence.