[Audio] President Michael D Higgins to receive Freedom of Cork City

25th March 2014, Tuesday
By David O’Sullivan
david@TheCork.ie

The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins will receive the Freedom of Cork
City

The 72 year old will become the sixth president of Ireland to receive the honour – following in the footsteps of Douglas Hyde, Éamon de Valera, Sean T. O’Kelly, Mary Robinson, and Mary McAleese.

There was a lengthy at last nights’s City Council meeting. The final vote being 17 for, 9 against, with 2 abstentions

An exact date for this years ceremony has not yet been set.

The nomination was made by Lord Mayor Catherine Clancy.

Cllr Clancy is a member of the Labour Party and and Michael D is a former president of that party, however both figures are considered to be “above politics” during their respective terms of office.

A number of Councillors suggested that in the future a Lord Mayor should NOT nominate a person associated with their own party

TheCork.ie spoke with Councillors for reaction, David O’Sullivan reports…