As the world has been locked in emergency environmental discussions, Ireland has voiced as a nation how it would make its mark on the world: by going out with Irish, X-Factor favourites, Jedward!
Mazda, though its nationwide dealership network, asked members of the public what mark they would make on the world if they could, to celebrate the launch of the all-new Mazda3. Over 500 participated and the Jedward comment from one person in Cork, although quite surreal, seems to reflect the joviality of the nation in tough times.
Economic Woes
Marks could be based on sports, environment, science, music, charity, or something else altogether. One thing evident across all counties was the need for us to make our mark on the economy with comments such as: "I would breed a new family of Celtic Cubs and get Ireland on its feet again" from a Dublin genius, and the more sensible Tipperary opinions: "I would reduce wages and taxes by 10%" and "Reduce VAT to 16% to get people spending money". One Tipperary resident threw caution to a science wind with: "I would build a time machine and take the economy back three years".
Charitable Donations
And despite the economical troubles, we are still a caring nation with many nods to helping a well deserved cause. There were several comments from across the country addressing the homeless issue in Ireland. Some wish to cure cancer, and one animal lover from Cork wants to save the pandas! Some marks were of course, quirkier than others: "I would make my mark by driving around the streets of Africa handing out rice and i-Pods so everyone can feel the beats on a full stomach", from a rather eccentric Louth resident.
Holding a Sporting Grudge
Our sporting aspirations as a nation are still intact, and some still feel the torment of the Irish French match with one person wanting to make their mark by "Kicking Thierry Henry's ****". Others want to make their mark by entering Iron man competitions, completing marathons and even "Managing the Clare hurling team to win three in a row", from, no surprise, a Clare resident.
The best of the rest included a nod to family values with: "Write a children's book, get it published and read it for my kids as a bedtime story", the down right sexy; "Parachute naked over Lough Owen", "To run naked down Grafton St. wearing only a Santa hat" and "Be Cheryl Cole's lingerie designer", to the sedate "drink a cup of tea in every country in Ireland" from a hot beverage lover in Westmeath.
And finally, we are still patriotic to the end, seemingly, with the epic comment: "I want to make my mark by finally winning the Eurovision for Ireland". David McGonigle, Managing Director from Mazda Motor Ireland commented: "We were thrilled by the entries. From the practical economic comments, to the obvious dislike to Thierry Henry - it really reflects as a nation where we are at the moment and what we'd like to see in the future. It's heart warming to see all the charitable comments.
The Mazda3 dares its driver to "make your mark". The car is inspirational, individual, expressive and exciting, and from the entries we have had, so is the Irish nation! We hope some of these marks come to fruition, although I'm not sure I want to see the man from Wexford running naked down Grafton Street in a Santa hat!"
The Irish launch of the Mazda3 also saw a series of high profile, "international celebrities" recently descend as the nation was plunged into confused "Was it, or wasn't it?" rumours. "Paris Hilton", "Naomi Campbell", "Posh & Becks" and "Jack Nicholson" were seen going about their business, enjoying coffee, shopping, signing autographs, posing for photos with fans and being chauffeured around by a sexy Mazda3.
The "celebrities" were deemed to have the same personality as the Mazda3, as each have in their own individual way, made their mark on the world. Already launched in several countries including Australia, Japan and the UK, the Mazda3 is proving extremely popular due to its vibrant drive and distinct style. The Mazda3 is for those who think differently, those who are individual, and those who naturally stand out from the crowd. It's quite simply, striking.
The all-new Mazda3 is on sale now from €21,115, available in saloon, hatchback and sport, and with a great price point and impressive C02 figures, the all new Mazda3 is a highly attractive package and the perfect Japanese choice for customers who dare to avoid mainstream alternatives. Starting with an annual road tax in Band A (€104 per annum) customers can save €3,500 with the recently introduced government scrappage scheme.
For more information visit your local dealer