Council approves motion to invite Britain's King Charles to Longford
Fine Gael's Paul Ross brought a motion forward at Wednesday afternoon's council meeting and he stated a visit by King Charles would be a great opportunity to showcase county Longford.
A Longford councillor called on the local authority to invite Britain's King Charles for a visit to the county on Wednesday and after a lively discussion and a vote the motion was passed.
Fine Gael's Paul Ross brought a motion forward at Wednesday afternoon's meeting of Longford County Council.
Cllr Ross, who spoke about his 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 then 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 was supported by his party colleagues Cllr Peggy Nolan, Cllr Colin Dalton, Cllr Padraig McNamara, Cllr Gerry Hagan, Cllr Martin Skelly, Cllr Niall Gannon.
However, Fianna Fáil Councillor David Cassidy voiced his opposition to such a visit.
"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."
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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.
To read the full story see the next edition of the Longford Leader
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