Barack and Michelle Obama to be awarded the Freedom of Dublin
A motion has been passed by Dublin City Council to award the Freedom of the City to former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.
The motion was passed last night by the majority of the councillors who feel that the couple are deserving of the honour.
I am delighted that @DubCityCouncil will confer the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin on Barack and Michelle Obama. @ObamaFoundation
— Lord Mayor of Dublin (@LordMayorDublin) February 6, 2017
The award is designated for those who have made a contribution to or had an influence on the life of the city, and previous winners include politicians, artists and entertainers.
“I am not proposing that we canonise the Obamas, or declare Barack Obama’s presidency a success," said Labour Lord Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr.
“But I do believe that Dublin City Council should seek to recognise their achievements and their vision for a better, fairer world.”
Dublin Lord Mayor awards freedom of the city to Barack and Michelle Obama. People Before Profit councillors walk out pic.twitter.com/AXPBCYrL3j
— Hugh O'Connell (@oconnellhugh) February 6, 2017
There will be an official ceremony for the award, although no invite to the Obamas has been issued yet so it is unconfirmed whether or not they will attend.
There was some opposition among city councillors about awarding Barack Obama with the honour, as they felt that some of his presidential actions disqualified him as a candidate.
However the motion passed with 30 votes for and 23 against.
