Barack Obama receives Freedom of Dublin, but fans outside Shelbourne Hotel miss out on chance to meet former US president
Barack Obama received the Freedom of Dublin today during a ceremony in the Shelbourne hotel, but fans hoping for a glimpse of the former US president were disappointed when his motorcade went straight to the back door.
Mr Obama is in the capital for a sold-out speaking event in the 3Arena on Friday night.
Former taoiseach Brian Cowen and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe were among those seen arriving for the ceremony, which was arranged by Lord Mayor Ray McAdam, who sent the Obamas an invitation in July.
Mr Obama and his wife Michelle were originally awarded the capital’s highest honour in 2017 following a contentious vote by councillors that passed by 30 votes to 23, with four abstentions.
Yesterday, Fine Gael councillor Mr McAdam formally presented the freedom of the city to Mr Obama, saying it recognised his “remarkable achievements” as president, along with his “commitment to democracy, equality and the power of community”.
The honour was opposed and boycotted by some council members, who objected to Mr Obama’s support of Israel and his administration’s actions in the Middle East.
Lord Mayor of Dublin speaks about criticism over conferring Barack Obama with Freedom of Dublin award
Details of yesterday’s ceremony were kept under wraps, and the public and media were not allowed in. Many Dubliners were not even aware the former president was in town.
But one of those in the loop was Sylvia Jones, who showed up several hours ahead of time dressed as an orange baby.
“I just want to show my support for Obama,” she said. “He’s a wonderful reminder of the better times in the American administration, when things weren’t so blooming crazy and chaotic.”
Brandishing a toilet brush with Donald Trump’s face on it and a balloon depicting him as an inflatable baby, Ms Jones said she hoped Mr Obama would see she is anti-Trump and therefore pro-Democrat.
Many of the people gathered at the front of the Shelbourne were hoping to spot Mr Obama, with Gabriel Ryan, from Athenry, Co Galway, joining the crowd as it spilled onto the road.
“I’d love to see him,” he said. “He was a good friend to Ireland. It’s a pity we haven’t more presidents like him.”
If anyone offered to have breakfast with him, or even a handshake, my god, I’d snap it up immediately
As the motorcade, accompanied by garda outriders, swept past the Shelbourne entrance and down Kildare Street into an alley behind the hotel, people were denied a glimpse of Mr Obama.
“There’s no need for them to secret him in at the back of the hotel. There was a lovely, welcoming posse there at the main entrance,” Ms Jones said.
“If anyone offered to have breakfast with him, or even a handshake, my god, I’d snap it up immediately. I’d be delighted to meet him.”
Elizabeth O’Neill, from Dublin’s North Circular Road, said: “I’m disappointed, yeah. Just to see if he’s changed much.”
She said Mr Obama was a worthy recipient of the freedom of the city.
“At least he came over to see us when he was president,” she added.