Paddy Power’s IRA-themed Irish marriage referendum campaign draws heat

Irish betting operator Paddy Power has once more waded neck-deep into controversy with an IRA-themed billboard promoting the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming marriage equality referendum.

On Monday, people in Dublin turned their heads as a flatbed truck bearing Paddy’s billboard drove through the streets. The billboard features two people – both apparently men – sharing a kiss while wearing suits, corsages and balaclavas. The image is accompanied by the Irish Republican Army slogan “Tiocfaidh Ar La,” which translates as ‘Our day will come.’

The campaign – which is also appearing in print and online – offers odds on whether the referendum will pass or fail. Paddy released a statement, typically laced with double entendres, saying the current action on its betting market “makes it look rosy in the garden for the YES camp but don’t be surprised if the NO vote comes from behind to give us all a surprise. In the words of Alex Ferguson, it’s squeaky bum time.”

Paddy is also offering odds on what will become Ireland’s “gayest constituency,” with Dublin’s Dún Laoghaire pegged as most likely to boast the highest ‘yes’ vote in the May 22 referendum.