Who will it be...

In recent weeks, the focus for Ireland has been on tomorrow's political election. This election will determine the nation's new government. This government will hopefully steer us onwards and upwards out of the fiscal hole that we are drowning in.

Could it be the coalition of Fine Gael and Labour? Could these parties unite to save Brand Ireland?
In this ‘overcrowded’ global marketplace, countries are competing not just for the favour of investors but also for tourists, media and skilled employees.
A fresh start is what is needed, can our new government facilitate this? Can we re-build and re-brand Ireland from the wreckage left from the recession?



Obstacles can't stop you. Problems can't stop you. Most of all other people can't stop you. Only you can stop you.


Jeffrey Gitomer

Iconic landmarks to 'go green' for St Patrick's day 2011

Image by Flickr






Iconic buildings and attractions across the globe will ‘go green’ this St Patrick’s Day hoping to spur on growth in Ireland’s tourism industry.
The London Eye, New York’s Empire State Building, the Sky Tower in Auckland and Table Mountain in South Africa are some that will have their green light on March 17.
Explaining their green initiative, Tourism Ireland Chief Executive Niall Gibbons states "Our aim is to bring a smile to the world and to convey the message that Ireland continues to offer a warm welcome, fun and spontaneity, alongside fantastic scenery and cultural activities."
What do you think, will this work?
Brand Ireland unites with the world.



http://www.tourismireland.com/Home!/About-Us/
Press-Releases/St-Patrick%E2%80%99s-Global-
Celebrations-are-Launch-Pad-fo.aspx

Guinness collaborates in time for Paddy's day once again

Image by alistair woolrige





Last year it was the return of Guinness Marmite and this year, HP Sauce have joined forces with drinks company Diageo to formulate - HP Guinness Sauce.
Just in time for St Patrick's day, both brands are clearly trying to raise awareness amongst target male consumers in their 20s and 30s.
Bringing a big Irish brand (Yes Irish,even if some disagree) such as Guinness to the breakfast table (and the Irish institutional fry-up) is simply genius.

Election Nation

Image by Shiny things





Last night's election debate on TV3 made for some very confusing viewing. Still on the fence on were my vote lies, I took to my sofa to see if my vote could be swung.However, Enda Kenny decided to decline the task (how on earth can he lead us on a world stage if he can't bare a seat with Vincent Browne?) and Eamon Gilmore and Minister Martin just didn't cut the mustard in my humble opinion!
My worry is, how will the outcome of election 2011 have on brand Ireland?
Does brand Ireland have a future?
Export, tourism, technology all the thriving industries that have saved brand Ireland from recessionary dissolution - can they continue to grow and pave a future that so many of us think is redundant?
Who are you voting for on February 25th 2011?

Ps - Did anyone notice the volume of Irish brands during the commercial break? I swear, at least 90% of them were Irish. Is this a similar ploy that big brands undertake during the American Super Bowl? (Brands paying big bucks to be shown during breaks)

Small food businesses are thriving

Image by coastline windows & conservarories



Small food businesses in Ireland are continuing to demonstrate strong growth both on the domestic and export markets, according to new figures released by Bord Bia this week. Bord Bia works with over 400 small food businesses with an annual turnover of some €400 million, representing an increase in value of seven per cent per year since 2007.


http://www.bordbia.ie/eventsnews/press/pages
/SmallBusinessesDemonstrateResilience.aspx

Fry up anyone?

Image by akrabat


Set the scene if you please. Out of the bed you get with a hunger that could take down a small bear. A few sausies maybe, a bacon sarnie, how about a full fry up? Sure 'tis the Irish way after all.
Imagine the horror of discovering your beloved Clonakilty puds and rashers have in fact been taken hostage in replace of an imposter. Say hello to the latest US craze that is bound to hit our shores, microwavable breakfast casseroles by Jimmy Dean Products - http://jimmydean.com/products/

Although we have yet to succomb to these 'culinary delights'(sarcasm intended), we are not far off the culture that is convenience 'grab & go'. How can (dare I say it?)the institution that is the Irish breakfast,something so distinctly Irish, get the American treatment?Surely not, surely somethings are sacred?

Brands continue to try and satisfy consumers need for convenience, but is this pushing things too far?
Only recently Tesco dared venture into this territory with it's student inspired snack, the Tesco Italian Lasagne Sandwich. Enough said!

A not so promising start to 2011 ....

Image by Exedave




With most of us hoping 2011 will be the kick start Ireland's economy needs, it seems things are not what they seem.

Celtic Bookmakers, the firm founded by former Fine Gael minister Ivan Yates, has called in the receivers, whilst Toni & Guy hair stylists have announced that they are closing four of its 11 Irish hair salons while Superquinn closed its Naas outlet.
HMV have also announced that it will close 60 stores in 2011, including 20 outlets of its Waterstone’s bookshop chain. With Waterstone’s having two Dublin outlets.

New year, new logo for Starbucks

Image by Eater National




Worldwide coffee giant Starbucks turns 40 this year and the brand is celebrating the milestone birthday with a facelift.
Starbucks is changing its logo for the first time since 1992.
The Seattle-based Starbucks Corportion unveiled a new and simplified company logo for 2011. The new all-green logo focuses on the company siren and removes the Starbucks Coffee embroidery around the border. The revamped image will be phased in at all Starbucks locations by year’s end.

Facebook has our back

Image by tikaro




With banks needing bailouts and companies closing down all round, international giant Facebook are continuing to put faith (and money) into Ireland.
Facebook still believes in putting more money (and staff) into Ireland.

The world’s biggest social network is set to hire another 100 people over the next 12 months here in Dublin, where it has its headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Due to the 12.5% corporation tax (untouched in Budget 2011), Facebook will continue to create jobs for the Irish nation.

White Christmas!

It is looking like we are in for a white Christmas this year, fun times.