New Campaigns – Paddy Power

Paddy Power is bringing a controversial ad campaign across the Irish Sea after it was banned from poster sites in the Republic of Ireland.

The ad, a spoof of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, depicts Jesus and his disciples gambling at the table, with the strapline “There’s a place for fun and games”. It sparked outrage when it went up in Ireland (MW last week).

The outcry prompted the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland to order the bookmaker to cover up the posters while it investigated. Paddy Power responded by putting up a red and white message in place of the offending ad, stating: “There’s a place for fun and games. Apparently this isn’t it.” There is also a Web address where the poster can be viewed.

The ad, created by Paddy Power’s Irish agency Cawley Nea TBWA, breaks in the UK this week, with planning and buying by Brand-links.