ThinkIrish.ie on-line campaign launches to help generate 20,000 new jobs and fast-track economic recovery

Top models Pippa O’Connor and Louise Kavanagh joined forces today to launch a new online initiative designed to help consumers make the right choice in their buying decisions to support Irish jobs and economic recovery. ThinkIrish.ie is a consumers-driven campaign and on-line resource which is designed to empower consumers with the information they need to identify and source Irish products.

Online product directory empowers consumers to make an informed choice with information on Irish goods

A new online initiative designed to help consumers make informed choices in their buying decisions to support jobs in Ireland and economic recovery has launched today. ThinkIrish.ie is a consumer-driven campaign and on-line resource which is designed to empower consumers with the information they need to identify and source Irish products.

Launching the ThinkIrish.ie campaign, Alan Graham, campaign Director, said: “ThinkIrish.ie seeks to consolidate and channel consumer power to drive economic recovery and empower ordinary people to take an active role in our economic recovery through their buying decisions.  By switching just €20 of their weekly purchases to Irish goods and services, consumers can help to generate 20,000 new jobs across the country.

He said: “The cornerstone of ThinkIrish.ie is an on-line presence where consumers can access and share accurate and relevant information about Irish sourced goods and services.  This includes Ireland’s first online directory of Irish products that will allow consumers search for Irish alternatives for the everyday products they buy.”

Promoted by a group of Irish business people who believe that Irish consumers have the power to make a positive impact on economic recovery and job generation, Thinkirish.ie seeks to leverage this collective buying power of consumers with the encouragement and information we all need to make a difference.

Mr. Graham said:“ThinkIrish.ie is different to other ‘Buy Irish’ campaigns. It’s not a commercial tactic, it’s about Irish consumers finding a voice and a platform to effect change, and raise awareness about how powerful consumer spending can be,” continued Mr. Graham.

He said: “We want consumers the length and breath of the country to get involved, share information and make more informed purchasing decisions.

“ThinkIrish.ie has no commercial agenda – the only groups we want to support are the Irish consumer and the thousands of workers whose jobs are dependent on industry in Ireland,” he said.

ThinkIrish.ie is a not-for-profit initiative developed by Jonathan Stanley, the well-known retail entrepreneur. He is joined by Dublin accountant Eamonn Freaney, Paul McArdle of The Panel, Peter Kruseman of Mindstars and Alan Graham, a senior marketing executive with considerable retail experience.

ThinkIrish.ie advocates playing to the strengths of the Irish economy by supporting domestic Irish business and producers. “It is not a question of protectionism, we know imports are a critical part of this country’s success and in particular our export success,” said Mr. Graham.

“We’re not advocating support for any domestic product that doesn’t offer equivalent or greater value to the imported one.  Switching €20 need not cost a cent extra – provided people are equipped with the right information.  For example, we still import 25-30% of the bottled water we drink, yet it’s often more expensive to drink imported bottled water than a domestic brand – so switching will actually save you money.”

“Irish people have a basic in-built desire to support local manufacturing and the farming community. We want to tap into this national trait and empower consumers to decide for themselves what they can and want to do to help support Irish business and Irish jobs. Thinkirish.ie is ultimately about helping people to help themselves,” concluded Mr. Graham.

For more information and access to the Irish Product Directory please log on to www.thinkirish.ie