Latest news with #FreedomofDublin
The Journal
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Do you agree with the Obamas being given the Freedom of Dublin?
THE DUBLIN LORD Mayor has invited Barack and Michelle Obama to accept the Freedom of the City of Dublin award during their September visit. The Obamas were originally conferred the honour in 2017 after a close vote but have not yet been in Dublin to accept the award. Advertisement Opponents of the award have cited the former president's foreign policy record and People Before Profit's Hazel De Nortúin said that the party would introduce an emergency motion if the award is not revoked. Former Lord Mayor Emma Blain said that she is in favour of the move, saying that Irish people 'have a great affection' for the Obamas. So, tell us: Do you agree with the Obamas being given the Freedom of Dublin? Poll Results: No (354) Yes (336) Unsure (71) Yes No Unsure Vote
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Lord Mayor invites Barack and Michelle Obama to accept Freedom of Dublin
Dublin City Council voted to confer the city's highest civic honour on the couple in February 2017, but they never had the chance to officially accept the award. Dublin's Lord Mayor Ray McAdam has now invited the couple to accept this award during their upcoming visit to the capital in September. In a letter to the Obamas, the lord mayor urged the couple to come to the Mansion House to formally accept the city's highest accolade. 'As you return to Dublin, I know that many here continue to hold fond memories of your visit in the spring of 2011,' he wrote. 'In February 2017, the Council resolved unanimously to confer this highest civic honour upon you both.' Previous recipients of the Freedom of Dublin include Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy and Mother Theresa. Historically, the award granted certain privileges to the city's holder such as grazing sheep on Stephen's Green. Despite a small number of councillors walking out in protest over the vote at the time, Lord Mayor McAdam praised the global impact of the Obamas. 'Barack and Michelle Obama have made an extraordinary contribution to public life, not just in the United States but globally,' he said 'President Obama led his country through a time of deep economic crisis and political division with a sense of hope, dignity, and calm leadership. 'His presidency inspired people around the world, including here in Ireland.' Obama is visiting Dublin in September to take part in a sit-down interview with journalist Fintan O'Toole. Mr McAdam believes the Obamas have done tremendous work for the democratic process and should be honoured for their contribution to public service. 'Mrs Obama, through her advocacy, voice, and example, has empowered millions – particularly young women and girls – to believe in their potential,' he said. The vote to confer the award in 2017 was a controversial one, with councillors voting 30 to 23 in favour, with four abstentions. People-Before-Profit councillors John Lyons, Andrew Keegan, Tina MacVeigh and Hazel de Nortuin left the council chamber when the appointment was made. They claimed the awarding of the honour was an 'insult' to the people of Dublin as the former President 'presided over growing inequality at home, mass incarceration and deportations and ongoing wars in the Middle East'. Lord Mayor McAdam believes the Freedom of the City is an important reward to 'connect those honoured with the reward with the to the civic heart of our capital'. 'By conferring the Freedom, we're not just recognising past achievements, we're welcoming the Obamas as part of Dublin's story,' he said. Cllr McAdams affirmed that this award is of great importance to Dublin and would like to see the Obamas take up the duty. 'This ceremony is a chance to affirm the values we hold dear in Dublin: democracy, decency, inclusion, and respect. 'The Obamas reflect those values, and I believe this is an important and appropriate moment to formally celebrate them.'
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Obamas invited to take up Freedom of Dublin duties
Former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have been invited to accept their Freedom of the City of Dublin when they visit the capital in September. Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam said the couple were conferred with the city's highest civic honour in February 2017 by Dublin City Council, but have not had the opportunity to formally accept it. The Freedom of Dublin would give them a number of entitlements, including being able to graze sheep on St Stephen's Green. In a letter to the Obamas, Cllr McAdam urged them to come to the Mansion House to accept the honour, saying it is "a rare distinction reserved for individuals whose leadership, service and values have made a profound and lasting contribution to the world. "As you return to Dublin, I know that many here continue to hold fond memories of your visit in the spring of 2011. "There was a palpable sense of excitement and pride in the city, especially on that unforgettable evening when you addressed the crowds at College Green. It remains one of the defining moments of modern Dublin's story- a moment of shared hope, friendship and global connection. "The people of Dublin have long admired your leadership, your commitment to public service and your shared belief in the power of community, equality and democracy. It would be a great honour to formally welcome you both as Freeman and Freewoman of our city." Only 88 people have been conferred with the Freedom of Dublin, with the most recent recipients being environmentalists Duncan Stewart and Greta Thunberg in June 2023. Others include Nelson Mandela, John F Kennedy, Mikhail Gorbachev, George Bernard Shaw, U2, Brian O'Driscoll and Dr Tony Holohan. In 2017, Bob Geldolf returned his award in protest at the inclusion of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on the roll of honour. Her name was also removed in 2017. While no financial benefits are attached to the award, holders of the Honorary Freedom of Dublin have some ancient privileges and duties not applicable to ordinary citizens. Ancient Privileges include: The right to bring goods into Dublin through the city gates, without paying customs duties. The right to pasture sheep on common ground within the city boundaries, including modern-day College Green (formerly Hoggen Green) and St Stephen's Green. The right to vote in municipal and parliamentary elections. Ancient Duties include: Each Freeman or Freewoman must be ready to defend the city from attack. A Freeman or Freewoman can be called on to join a city militia at short notice. According to a law passed in 1454, any merchant who becomes a Freeman or Freewoman must possess the following items: A coat of mail A bow A light helmet A sword of their own Freemen from the other trade guilds must have a bow, arrows and a sword. A law passed in 1465 states that each Freeman or Freewoman has to provide themselves with a longbow (of their length) made of yew, witch-hazel or ash. They must also have 12 arrows made of the same wood. Mr Obama is due to visit Dublin in September for an event in the 3Arena where he will be in conversation with journalist Fintan O'Toole.
