A 1916 CHOCOLATE bar has people asking whether measures should be introduced to prevent the commercialisation of the centenary.
The bar, which is being sold for €2.99, has received mixed reviews, with some people calling it tasteless and inappropriate.
Not exactly what the rebellion leaders had in mind, the wrapper displays their faces as well as the Proclamation.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s Liveline, Fianna Fáil councillor Malcolm Byrne said rules should be introduced to protect 1916 symbols.
Use of iconic images
He called for the centenary advisory group to look at the issue and introduce a licensing system for the use of such images and symbols associated with the Rising.
“We need to ensure how we make sure it is not overly commercialised,” he said.
He said items such as a chocolate are not the appropriate way to mark “a key part in our history”.
Byrne said iconic images are being used for private companies to make a profit. He said the chocolate bar may only mark the beginning. “Where will it lead?” he asked.
Other callers made the point that a chocolate bar might appeal to younger people more, and therefore spark their interest in the 1916 celebrations.
“Anything that can get the message out to children,” said one caller.
“There are going to be a lot of products over the year, hoodies, leggings, these appeal to younger generations who are not looking for a coin in a presentation box .”
The topic started quite the debate on social media:
What do you think?
Poll: Is a 1916 chocolate bar inappropriate?
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