'Friendly neighbours': Council approves motion to invite King Charles to Longford

A Longford councillor called on the local authority to invite Britain's King Charles for a visit to the county recently at a recent local authority meeting and after a lively discussion and a vote the motion was passed.

Fine Gael's Paul Ross brought the motion forward at the June meeting of Longford County Council.

Cllr Ross, who outlined the reasons for the motion, said there are lots of cultural and heritage links between Ireland and Britain.

"In light of the recent visit by President Connolly to the UK in May where she went to Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles she reciprocated a visit back to Ireland which he accepted.

"So, King Charles is coming to Ireland at some point next year I believe, the dates haven't been set yet.”

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Cllr Ross said several weeks ago they welcomed the British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen on a day visit to Longford.

“She was at the Edgeworthstown Maria Edgeworth Festival and then she travelled to North Longford for a day.

"I suppose an invitation like this brings major national and international recognition to a county like Longford."

Cllr Ross said a visit by King Charles would be a huge opportunity to 'showcase' Longford and it would leave a lasting legacy.

"He has said previously he would like to visit all 32 counties on the island of Ireland and this is an ideal opportunity to invite him to come to Longford.”

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Cllr Ross's motion was seconded by his Fine Gael party colleague Cllr Peggy Nolan.

"I don't see why we should keep hiding our light under a bushel.

"It's time that Longford came out and explained and told its story nationally and internationally.

"We have some story to tell and it's time we started telling it.

Cllr Nolan referred to how Cllr Ross outlined places such as St Mel's Cathedral that he thought would be of interest should King Charles accept the invitation and she mentioned the 19th-Century Castle Forbes in Newtownforbes and a Longford town area.

"The Battery Road alone has so much history that it's actually staggering and if you look the next time you are walking up that road there are plaques outlining the exact history and the connection it has to Britain and indeed to the Royal family.

"I think we're big enough and proud enough not to be intimidated by anybody that is going to try and scupper our endeavours to invite the King to Longford.

The motion was also supported by his party colleagues Cllr Peggy Nolan, Cllr Colin Dalton, Cllr Padraig McNamara, Cllr Gerry Hagan, Cllr Martin Skelly, Cllr Niall Gannon.

However, Independent Cllr Mark Casey and Fianna Fáil Cllr David Cassidy voiced their opposition to such a visit and initiated a counter motion.

Cllr Casey had a tone of disbelief as he said he was strongly opposed.

"Chair to say I'm flabbergasted, there is no absolute level that Paul Ross won't go under to try and get a headline in a paper.

"It's absolutely unreal, hats off to you, I'm telling you it's a whole new low that you are after coming to.

"I congratulate you, did it take you long or did you rob this motion off someone else like most of your motions anyway.”

Cllr Casey also made some points in relation to Britain’s King Charles.

"I just wanted to say this is the same King who was over the parachute regiment up on Bloody Sunday that killed so many people years ago so be very concerned.

"Oh no we're not going to remember any of that, but just remember that's who you're inviting and I don't know what's going on with you but this is nuts."

Cllr Cassidy also said he wanted to voice his opposition to the invite.

"Let me be clear from the outset that this is not about hostility towards the people of England or Britain.

"Nor is it about denying the importance of diplomacy, reconciliation or peace.

"For centuries, the Irish people endured British rule.

"That period was marked by Famine, execution, forced emigration and murder.

"Our ancestors lived through poverty, families were uprooted, land was taken and the Irish culture and identity was suppressed."

Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus Butler said King Charles was the sovereign of one of our biggest trading partners.

"I don't like the monarchy, I don't believe in the monarchy.

"I'm a Republican at heart but that doesn't mean we shouldn't have friendly relations with our neighbouring country."

A vote was held with seven councillors saying yes to the motion, six saying no to the motion, and three councillors abstaining.

Those who voted in favour were Cllr Ross, Cllr Peggy Nolan, Cllr Colin Dalton, Cllr Padraig McNamara, Cllr Gerry Hagan, Cllr Martin Skelly, Cllr Niall Gannon.

The six who voted against were: Cllr David Cassidy, Cllr Sean Mimnagh, Cllr Kevin Hussey, Cllr Pat O'Toole, Cllr Martin Monaghan and Cllr Mark Casey.

The three councillors who abstained were Cllr Seamus Butler, Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi and Cllr Turlough McGovern.

Cllr Garry Murtagh was not required to vote as cathaoirleach.

A letter has been sent to the British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen with an invitation.

After the meeting, Cllr Paul Ross told the Leader, “ Ultimately the motion is not about being pro monarchy.

“It is recognising that an international head of state is visiting Ireland and why should he not visit Longford, especially when this week we have just launched a new tourism website and strategy and this visit can put a worldwide emphasis on Longford.”

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