The Irish Republic has designs on its future success with news today that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore and the Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton have launched an online public poll to select the logo that will represent Ireland's EU Presidency in the first six months of 2013.

They said that voting is easy by going online where citizens can find details about the four logo designs [see below].

Speaking at the launch, the Tánaiste said: "Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the seventh time during the first half of 2013, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Ireland's accession.

"Over our four decades of membership, we have developed a reputation for running impartial and effective Presidencies. We intend to do so again in 2013 and also plan to a have a Presidency that is well designed and efficiently managed.

"Now, more than ever, it is important that we present a strong signal to our EU partners about Ireland's ability to manage the agenda of the EU.

"So, in planning the look and feel of the Presidency, I want to open up the process to everyone in selecting the logo for the Presidency, which will be the starting point for how the Presidency will present itself to all of the other Member States.

"The competition being launched today allows the public to select the logo that will represent the Irish Presidency in 2013 and we are hoping that as many people as possible will participate," he said.

Also at the launch, Minister Creighton expressed the hope that people would have their say and get involved in the selection of their favourite logo: "I am delighted that children, representing other Member States could join us for the launch of this public poll.

"Many other EU citizens reside in Ireland and there are Irish citizens living in every Member State. It is important that our work throughout the Presidency benefits all EU citizens across the 27 Member States of the Union.

"With just over 12 months before the Presidency begins, we are asking the public to decide on the logo which they believe best represents the image we want to project of our Presidency of the other EU MS. I believe that all four designs represent a modern, dynamic and innovative Ireland," she said.

Now, it is up to each individual to decide. Votes can be cast at www.eu2013.ie anytime between now and 31 December and the winner will be unveiled in the New Year.

(BMcC)