‘Political expediency’ behind Naval medal ceremony location

The chairman of a Navy Veterans’ association claims ‘political expediency’ is behind the decision to hold a medal ceremony in a Junior Minister’s constituency instead of the Naval Base at Haulbowline, Co Cork.

Last weekend Minister of State Paul Kehoe announced the creation of a new medal to recognise the work of navy personnel who were involved in recent humanitarian efforts in the Mediterranean.

However the revelation that the ceremony during which the “Defence Forces International Operational Service Medal” is to be awarded will be held in Rosslare — within the minister’s Wexford constituency — instead of the naval base in Cork has caused disquiet among both serving officers and veterans, according to Peter Mulvany, chairman of the Irish Seamen’s Relatives’ Association.