Oopsa-Fiji

It seems Mr Brown is in trouble over the Fiji campaign. Apparently, someone forgot to inform Mr Brown that Fiji is ruled by a Military Dictatorship. Participation of the Prime Minister in a commercial advertising looks silly enough, but for a democratic leader to endorse military regime is just plain nonsense!

According to Downing Street, it is all a misunderstanding and the artwork was not cleared at the correct level. One has to wonder though, what would be appropriate artwork to highlight "military junta"?

Unsurprisingly, the Fiji Visitors Bureau is very happy over the fantastic media exposure and says the bookings are on the increase.

Fiji me, Fiji you. AHA!, Mr Brown

Fiji, gorgeous golden sand beaches, bluest sea, relaxing atmosphere, stunning sunsets, unspoilt nature, exotic heaven, in other words – one of the coolest places on Earth. So who do you think should endorse this little paradise? Well, Gordon Brown of course (?!)

Last week, Fiji Visitors Bureau launched the new face for their ‘Fiji me’ campaign - UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown shown with red flower behind his ear. The picture is supposed to represent a “get me out of here” theme portraying the pressure Mr Brown has been under lately.

Jane West, the director of the Fiji Visitors Bureau,said: "Gordon Brown has taken his fair share of criticism lately and has been under a lot of pressure in his job. The advert is saying that if you've had a tough time lately, where would you rather be in the middle of February, Britain or Fiji? It's an exotic island and is a great place to come to get away from your troubles."

The campaign was designed by the London agency DK Advertising and was supposed to feature other “stressed” public figures; the Duke of Edinburgh, London's Mayor Ken Livingstone, and Jérôme Kerviel – fraudster who cost the French bank Société Générale £3.6bn. However, only Gordon Brown gave permission for his image to be used … hardly a surprise.