Strikes cause a stir at Hillery’s inauguration

Fears that angry workers would greet distinguished guests, meant the army was called on for an unusual line of duty, writes Caroline O’Doherty.

OFFICIALS organising the ceremonies for the inauguration of President Patrick Hillery feared the army might have to be drafted in to cater at his reception because of the threatened escalation of strike by employees of the Office of Public Works.

There were concerns that the distinguished guests at the December 3, 1976, function might be greeted at the gates of the Dublin Castle venue by a picket of foremen and supervisors who were striking over pay.