We’re more than used to politicians espousing family values (and just as used to many of them later being caught out violating those values) but a councillor in Omagh is considering Family Guy values. His nephew told the politician that he had a resemblance to Peter Griffin; Mr Hussey said he was not exactly flattered but did see the funny side and now was seeking approval from his party to use Peter’s image on an election flyer. Since regular viewers (Mr Hussey not being one of them – he had no idea who the Griffins were until it was explained to him) know that Peter descends from Irish Catholic stock I’m suspecting he isn’t a natural supporter of the Ulster Unionist Party somehow. Just a bit of fun (and let’s face it, politics could do with more humour) or another example of a politician jumping a popular culture bandwagon to use for their own ends (although admittedly less embarassing than politicos trying to be hip by appearing in pop videos)?
Still, it does make me wonder, should the use of cartoon characters become commonplace in British politics who we would see the leaders of the main parties adopting? I mean which popular cartoon characters could you see being assigned to Gordon Brown or David Cameron by their spin doctors for electioneering? (via the BBC)
September 15th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Is Hussey aware that Peter Griffin isn’t exactly a role model type? Has he ever *watched* the show? I don’t think I’d feel comfortable voting for a politician who was that unperceptive!
September 15th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Lew I don’t think he has a clue, Peter, as you say, isn’t exactly the man to model yourself after (even Homer might seem more upright by comparison). Still, if he brings a talking, martini drinking dog into politics I’ll have a look :-)