The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore T.D. and Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton T.D. today launched an online public poll to select the logo that will represent Ireland’s EU Presidency in the first six months of 2013.
Voting is as easy as clicking on www.eu2013.ie where you can find details about the four logo designs. The site is hosted by Merrionstreet.ie, the Government News website.
Speaking at the launch, the Tánaiste said:"Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the seventh time during the first half of 2013, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Ireland’s accession. Over our four decades of membership, we have developed a reputation for running impartial and effective Presidencies. We intend to do so again in 2013 and also plan to a have a Presidency that is well-designed and efficiently managed. Now, more than ever, it is important that we present a strong signal to our EU partners about Ireland’s ability to manage the agenda of the EU.
So, in planning the look and feel of the Presidency, I want to open up the process to everyone in selecting the logo for the Presidency, which will be the starting point for how the Presidency will present itself to all of the other Member States. The competition being launched today allows the public to select the logo that will represent the Irish Presidency in 2013 and we are hoping that as many people as possible will participate.
Also at the launch, Minister Creighton expressed the hope that people would have their say and get involved in the selection of their favourite logo:
"I am delighted that children, representing other Member States can join us here today for the launch of this public poll. Many other EU citizens reside in Ireland and there are Irish citizens living in every Member State. It is important that our work throughout the Presidency benefits all EU citizens across the 27 Member States of the Union. With just over 12 months before the Presidency begins, we are asking the public to decide on the logo which they believe best represents the image we want to project of our Presidency of the other EU MS. I believe that all four designs represent a modern, dynamic and innovative Ireland
Now, it is up to each individual to decide for themselves. Votes can be cast at www.eu2013.ie anytime between now and 31 December and the winner will be unveiled in the New Year."
Note for editors:
Ireland will assume Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first six months of 2013.
Red Dog Design Company was commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to design the four logos displayed. Each logo includes a narrative description and some examples of its application. All four logos are presented in the same green colour scheme to ensure uniformity in the selection process. The children who attended today’s poll launch are all from the Mary, Mother of Hope Senior National School in Clonee, Dublin 15: Domas Askelovicius, from Lithuania; Michay Drapik from Poland; Joanne Dieppe, born in Ireland, mother from Germany; and Hannah Gorman from Ireland.
The poll will go live at www.eu2013.ie at 11:30 am on 30 November. Any votes cast before then will not be counted. The poll will end at 5pm on 31 December.
The winning design selected by the public will be announced in early in the New Year.