Mayo senator accuses An Post of being 'unpatriotic' over UK shopping promotion

AN Post has been accused by a Mayo Fine Gael Oireachtas member of being 'unpatriotic' by encouraging customers to shop on UK websites.

The postal company is currently promoting a new service called 'AddressPal', which allows consumers to access online traders who do not normally ship to Ireland.

As part of their promotional campaign, An Post has teamed up with TV3 to give away sterling currency gift cards.

Senator Michelle Mulherin said the move 'flies in the face' of the idea that State agencies should be trying to support the local economy.

'I understand that this initiative is to enable An Post to compete with couriers and try to reclaim some business, however, I would love to see An Post promoting Irish companies and Irish goods and products at this time of year,' she said.

'Our local retailers are the people who make sure that the lights and decorations are put up in our cities, towns and villages, in conjunction with the councils and local development groups. I think buying locally represents good citizenship and I would strongly urge people to shop at home this Christmas. It does make a difference.'

In response, An Post said the service was 'pro-business, pro customer, and represents an innovative response by an Irish company to the realities of the modern marketplace'.

'Like many Irish companies, An Post trades across the Ireland/UK border and already handles a considerable share of the growing online shopper market.

'An Post's AddressPal recognises the reality of modern shopping for many of our customers where distribution networks are international,' a spokesman said.

He added that An Post was 'firmly rooted in Irish business and commerce at both local and national level'.

The company works with Google, Enterprise Boards and Blacknight to enable Irish companies trade globally.