Ryanair angers Italian gov't with ad showing minister giving the finger

Low-cost airline Ryanair has flown into a new publicity storm by using a photo of a controversial and outspoken Italian politician to promote its flights. Italian newspapers on Saturday published angry reactions by the government to the ad displaying an old photo of Reforms Minister Umberto Bossi raising his middle finger during a speech. The ad's text suggests the vulgar gesture is directed at Italian passengers, who, it alleges, must suffer high ticket fares and strikes because the government continues to support failing state carrier Alitalia. Infrastructure and Transport Minister Altero Matteoli called the ad "vulgar and offensive" and demanded an apology from the Irish carrier. The ad could still be seen Saturday on the home page of Ryanair's Italian Web site. Bossi is the firebrand leader of the Northern League, an... [read full story]