Mandela denied Freedom of Dublin in 1983

Politicians shot down plans to honour Nelson Mandela with the Freedom of Dublin just five years before he was eventually awarded the accolade, classified files have revealed.

Although the late South African leader was conferred a Freeman of Dublin in 1988 — the first capital city in the world to do so — councillors dismissed the idea during behind-the-scenes meetings in 1983.

Documents released into the National Archives under the 30-year rule showed then taoiseach Garret FitzGerald ordered advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs after he became aware of the proposal.