Former US President Barack Obama is set to formally receive the Freedom of Dublin during a ceremony at the Mansion House later this week, reports RTE.
Although final arrangements are still being made, it is anticipated that he will accept the honour on Thursday, ahead of his participation in an event scheduled for Friday.
Barack Obama and his wife Michelle had previously been invited to accept the Freedom of the City of Dublin, reports RTE.
Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Ray McAdam, explained that the couple were granted the city’s most prestigious civic honour back in February 2017 by Dublin City Council, but they had not yet had the chance to formally accept it.
Receiving the Freedom of Dublin grants several symbolic privileges, such as the right to graze sheep on St Stephen’s Green, reports RTE.
In a letter addressed to the Obamas, Councillor McAdam encouraged them to come to the Mansion House for the ceremony, calling it “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,” Mr McAdam said, reports RTE.
“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,” reports RTE.
Michelle Obama, who also received the freedom of the city, will not be present to collect her award.
Cllr McAdam acknowledged that some current members of the council have voiced objections to giving Mr Obama the honour, but said he is committed to upholding a decision made by the council several years ago.
“What I’m doing is ensuring that the will of the elected members that made the decision back in 2017 and 2018 is honoured,” he said, reports RTE.
“My job as Lord Mayor and as the chair of Dublin City Council is to ensure that the will of the elected members has followed through. And given that President Obama is going to be in this city this week, it is imperative that I provide the opportunity for him to receive our highest civilian award,” reports RTE.
Past recipients of the Freedom of Dublin include former US presidents Ulysses S Grant, John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton.
To date, only 88 individuals have received the Freedom of Dublin. The most recent honourees, added in June 2023, were environmental advocates Duncan Stewart and Greta Thunberg.
Other notable recipients include Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, George Bernard Shaw, U2, Brian O’Driscoll and Dr Tony Holohan, reports RTE.
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