Sinn Fein does not live up to its brand name

BRANDING is an important tactic in gaining support for a product, or service, and this is no less the case in the branding of political parties through the name chosen for that party.

The brand name used is meant to communicate to people something of the core values of that party, but sadly the reality in many cases is that the core values of the party fall far short of what their name implies.

As an example: the Green Party brand suggests a commitment to newness and life and the natural environment. Now, consider that image alongside the party’s support for abortion. Not a great fit, I would suggest. In other words, the party brand is conveying a false message.

Similarly, consider the brand People Before Profit and you would imagine policies that put the love and protection of human beings as a number one priority. The reality is quite different, as the party supports abortion, which is managed by organisations heavily interested in profit. Again, not a great fit with their brand.

A further political brand in which practice has fallen well short of what their name implies is Sinn Fein (‘Ourselves Alone’).

Going to Westminster to beg the British government to introduce abortion in the north does not have a great fit with ‘Ourselves Alone’, even allowing for the shamefulness of it.

There is a lot of evidence most voters make their choices based on brand appeal and I hope more people will question how loyal that party is to the core values implied in their name.

EAMON DALLETT Dungiven, Co Londonderry