Mixed reaction to online petition to get ‘Golden Arches' for Kinsale

A PETITION calling for fast food giant McDonalds to open in the gourmet town of Kinsale has generated lively and mixed online comment.

Michael Desmond uploaded his petition calling for a McDonalds to be opened in Kinsale last week on Change.Org and then onto the Facebook page of Kinsale Notice Board. 

No sooner was it posted than a counter petition organised by Paul Stubbings was set up against the fast food giant locating there.

Michael said: ‘I wanted to start a debate about what businesses we need in Kinsale, and what we were willing to sacrifice to generate employment and business.

‘Some people thought it was a joke, but I am serious about it. I have already received 142 supporters so it’s getting people discussing and talking about the idea.’

Australian Paul Stubbings, as part of his rival petition stated: ‘I am not sure if this serious. There is a campaign to get a McDonalds in Kinsale. I want to stop this. The reaction online to the proposal has been mixed and has created much debate about whether the chain is welcome in the town which is renowned worldwide for its restaurants and gourmet chefs.

One online comment said it was ‘an excellent idea’ and would be a fantastic alternative to all the ‘expensive food’ in Kinsale. However, an opposing view said that ‘small businesses are the heart of Kinsale and I for one would absolutely hate to see a big chain like that coming into our beautiful little town.’ Liam Edwards, chairperson of the Kinsale Good Food Circle, said that personally he would not like to see a McDonalds in Kinsale.

‘From the posts and comments I’ve seen from tourists especially, they seem to be saying that a McDonalds just wouldn’t fit the profile of the town and they also seem to be saying they would rather spend money in local restaurants,’ said Liam.

‘I guess Michael is just testing the water and it certainly brought up a discussion on it, but I must say his argument about it creating employment is not true, as restaurants and hotels here in Kinsale are crying out for staff, so there’s no shortage of work available.’