Give Geldof freedom of Dublin, says councillor
Bob Geldof should be given the freedom of the city of Dublin for his work with Live 8, it was claimed today.
The prestigious honour is awarded only rarely and its past recipients include John F Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and the Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The newly-elected Dublin deputy lord mayor, Green Party Councillor Bronwen Maher, said it would be a fitting tribute for the man who organised both Live Aid and Live 8.
“Bob Geldof’s major achievement has been the promotion of the injustice bestowed upon the peoples and continent of Africa. He has raised global consciousness and made it one of the most pressing issues of the day,” she said.
Ms Maher said she would be raising the issue with the Dublin city Lord Mayor, Councillor Catherine Byrne, who is the only person allowed to propose nominations for the award.
The Lord Mayor said she would have to consult with her colleagues on the city council before making a decision.
Under the ancient award, holders were entitled to bring goods into Dublin without paying customs duties and to graze their sheep on St Stephen’s Green in the city centre.
U2 star Bono exercised his rights by bringing spring lambs to the Green when he and the other members of the band were awarded the freedom of the city in 1999.
