'Rauchy' billboard claims against Mayo firm rejected by social media users
SOCIAL media users have rejected suggestions that a billboard erected by Mayo-based fashion firm 6th Sense Global Designs is 'too rauchy'.
The leading men's style company was criticised by two members of Dublin City Council for an advert that was plastered on billboards on both sides of the capital as well at locations across the country, including Castlebar.
The billboard - advertising men's clothing - features a man slickly dressed in a suit and a young model sporting nothing but black lingerie. The logo 'dress to impress' accompanies the advert.
Independent Councillor Damien O'Farrell and Green Party Councillor Ciaran Cuffe lodged complaints with the Advertising Standards Authority Ireland.
Councillor O'Farrell said the billboard implies that women are there for 'men's gratification'.
'It's obviously a marketing ploy, but a highly questionable one from an ethical perspective,' the inner city councillor said.
'I believe this advertisement is inappropriate for a public thoroughfare. We have watershed time on TV for very valid reasons.”
Councillor O'Farrell told Dublin City Council he was 'very disappointed' that they would allow this type of advertising.
'I'm requesting a report of this matter and the removal of the material as a matter of urgency,' Mr. O'Farrell told a council official.
The council responded by saying that while they appreciate the councillor's 'dismay regarding the content' of the advert, they had no powers to regulate advertisements' content.
Councillor Cuffe said the advert is “pretty sexist and exploits the sexuality of the women.”
“It is a good example of everyday sexism,' he added.
However, a poll conducted on the Irish Independent website revealed that 60 per cent of readers did not believe the billboard poster was too rauchy.