Press Release

Mayor’s Civic Remembrance plans at advantaged stage

Tuesday, 12 October 2004

The Mayor Gearoid Ó hÉara has confirmed that his plans for an act of civic remembrance are now at an advanced stage and that he hopes to publicly announce his intentions in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the draft consultation document, A Day of Reflection, Mayor Ó hÉara said:

“On the night I was elected Mayor I announced my intention to attempt to deal in a new and imaginative way with the potentially contentious issue of remembrance.”

“In attempting to do this I have been in contact with hundreds of individuals and dozens of organisations in the city and beyond as to how we might go about achieving this objective. I have been heartened by the response of these people and am confident that this Council can lead the way in creating an act of civic remembrance that will create the space for the people of the city and district to remember all those ‘Who have died as a result of war and conflict in and from the city and district.’”

The Mayor continued:

“I appreciate and fully understand that remembrance is a very personal and voluntary act and I am not seeking to take anyone to a place they are not yet comfortable going to. However, as Mayor I am also conscious of the many victims of conflict and war, and their loved ones left behind, who are either overlooked by the existing exclusive acts of remembrance or who are uncomfortable with aspects of them.”

The Mayor added that as part of the draft consultation document he is keen not to organise an event that would replace any of the existing commemorations that take place in the district and which mean so much to those who organise and attend them.

The Mayor concluded:

“I believe that there is a responsibility on the Council, and myself as Mayor, to create the space where everyone can be commemorated and remembered. I believe we are almost at that point.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

The Mayor will be announcing final details of the proposed Day of Reflection at a later stage.

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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