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Facepalm
Fine Gael got an awful lot of grief for this tweet before the match yesterday
Economy ≠ rugby
IF THERE’S ONE thing that political parties like to do it’s show voters that they’re down with the kids and across all the latest trends.
Fine Gael is no different and for the most part the party does alright when it comes to social media.
But yesterday’s attempt to capitalise on the significant excitement prior to Ireland’s hugely disappointing clash with Argentina in the Rugby World Cup backfired.
Less than hour before kick-off, the party’s official Twitter account pointed out as a “FACT” that if the Rugby World Cup was based on economic growth – which we can confirm it isn’t – then Ireland would win “hands down”.
The tweet got quite the reaction:
Some people were scathing:
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Others made a political point:
Some reacted with sarcasm:
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And some just called it as it is:
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One of Fine Gael’s own councillors and rugby fan, Neale Richmond, said the tweet was “pretty cheesy” but harmless at the same time.
The only disappointing really was the loss itself, Argentina were the better team though, I hope they go on and win it.
“This government has actually been extremely supportive of rugby providing huge amounts of Sports Capital Grants and unwavering support for the 2023 World Cup bid.”
We asked Fine Gael if it had any regrets about the tweet given the negative reaction it got yesterday.
A spokesperson pointed out it was sent before Ireland’s crushing 43-20 defeat to Argentina in Cardiff.
Some things work better than others on social media. Timing is important and some people didn’t like the timing of this. We accept that.
A lesson learned then.
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