Fine Gael has been forced to apologise for using a viral song by children from Cork and Clare without credit or permission.
The video, which has been since deleted, urged people to vote for them in last weekend’s elections, and used the song The Spark by children’s collective the Kabin Crew and Lisdoonvarna Crew.
The video’s caption read: “We’ve got the new energy, and we’ll tell you all about it – Tomorrow vote Fine Gael in the Local, European and Limerick Mayoral elections.”
The Kabin Crew later responded to the video in a post shared on X, which read: “Ah Jaysus, lads, at least credit the kids who performed this track.
“Who ever created this video and made the social media post should know this. Not comfortable with it being used for political means.
“You have used our music, without permission, for political means. Please cease all usage with immediate effect.”
They also urged anyone who uses their music to “credit the kids and consider making a donation to children’s charity”.
A spokesperson for Fine Gael has since released an apology, and confirmed they will make a donation to the studio to “support their great work, or in lieu of this, to a charity of their choice.”
They said: “We wish to sincerely apologise to all at the Kabin Crew and Kabin Crew Studio for not seeking permission to use their music. It was wrong, and it should not have happened.”
“The Kabin Crew are an immensely talented group who produce great music, including the track of the summer. They are a credit to all in their community and are great ambassadors for Cork city. Keep up the great work at the Kabin Studio.”
The Spark was recorded by children in the Kabin Crew in North Cork and the Lisdoonvarna Crew in Clare.
The song and accompanying music video has received millions of views online as part of Cruinniú na nÓg, Europe’s only national free day of creativity for young people.
The Kabin and Lisdoonvarna crews unite children aged 9 – 12 at the youth community space, where they are able to express themselves through music and performing arts.
