Fine Gael leader objects to council putting 1916 Proclamation in chamber

THE FINE GAEL group leader on Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council, Councillor John Bailey, has rejected an Independent motion calling for a copy of the 1916 Proclamation to be displayed in the council chamber, describing it as “inappropriate”.

The motion (tabled by Independent Councillor Michael Merrigan and seconded by Sinn Féin Councillor Shane O'Brien) came out of discussions initiated by the council's own 1916 Commemorations Committee for Dún Laoghaire, which used to be called Kingstown under British rule.

Arguing contradictorily that “the Proclamation is part of our heritage”, the Fine Gael figure said it had no place in the council chamber but it could be placed elsewhere in the building: “The Proclamation should not be in the chamber. It’s wrong to be in the chamber. It’s inappropriate.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Shane O’Brien (pictured) countered:

“I disagree with Councillor Bailey in saying that this is not the appropriate place for it. Without the 1916 Rising, local government as we know it may not have existed. We are the successors and are here because of 1916. It affects and applies to all citizens of this country. To deem it irrelevant or inappropriate I think is untrue and unfounded.”

The motion included a proposal for a simple wreath-laying ceremony to be held on 24 April 2016 (“Proclamation Day”) in Deansgrange Cemetery and to be led by the First Citizen of the County, An Cathaoirleach Councillor Barry Saul – also of Fine Gael.

Given the resistance by Fine Gael led by Councillor Bailey, the astonished proposers of the motion said they were reluctant to divide the chamber on this important issue and withdrew the motion.