Tensions emerge over plan to award freedom of city to trio

Tensions have emerged over plans to confer the freedom of Cork on three people this year — the highest ever number of recipients in a single year.

Lord Mayor John Buttimer (FG) has told party whips on Cork City Council that he would like council support to make Frank Duggan and Michael Twomey, the duo behind the Cha and Miah characters, and entertainer Billa O’Connell freemen of the city at a ceremony in City Hall next month.

However, several councillors — including some in the mayor’s own party — have expressed concerns at the “freedom threesome”.