Honours system fit for a republic
You cite the US and France as examples of how a republic can have an honours system, and I agree there is merit in your suggestion.
The system in the US — known as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which your editorial favours — has its merits, but before any scheme is introduced in Ireland, a political honours scrutiny committee, made up of a cross-section of society and expressly excluding politicians, as you intimated in your editorial, must first be put in place as the temptation to abuse such a system might prove too great to be resisted.
Your assertion that Ireland is missing an opportunity by not having an awards system to honour those who have served Ireland’s interests, like Senator Edward Kennedy, is incorrect.
Both Tip O’Neill, former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, and former US Ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith were both made Honorary Citizens of Ireland for their endeavours in furthering the peace process.
Other recipients of this honour include Lord Alfred Beit for his generous patronage in donating many valuable paintings to the National Gallery of Ireland, former Ireland soccer manager Jack Charlton and kidnapped Dutch industrialist Dr Tiede Herrema.
In addition, Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, former US President Bill Clinton, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and our own well respected Louis Le Brocquy were among those made Freemen of the City of Dublin.
However, I have long held the view that the greatest honour that can be bestowed on a fellow being is the affection, respect and esteem of the ordinary people of a country, which Senator Kennedy has in abundance.
I also believe those most entitled to be honoured in recognition of their endeavours for Ireland are the least likely to seek such recognition.
Tom Cooper
Delaford Lawn
Knocklyon
Dublin 16
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