Honours system on its way for Ireland ?

[cyberianpan]

The Irish Times seems to think we are getting one

1) Will we ?
2) Should we ?
3) Who will / should get honours ? B Ahern ?

Irish Times Honours system to recognise contributions to Irish society
A NEW honours system to recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals to Irish society is to be introduced as part of a wide-ranging plan to promote higher levels of civic engagement.

The “national presidential citizen awards” will be awarded to a limited number of people selected annually through an independent process, based on nominations from members of the public.

It is one of a number of measures contained in the first report of the Office of Active Citizenship, which has been presented to the Dáil.
...
While some have voiced doubts about whether the Office of Active Citizenship will be able to achieve its aims, Ms Davis said Government departments have been “hugely receptive” to its recommendations so far.

cYp

[cavok]

The Irish Times seems to think we are getting one

1) Will we ?
2) Should we ?
3) Who will / should get honours ? B Ahern ?



cYp

Yes I have thought of an appropriate Honour for bertie ahern

We will send him into a prison cell with STEPHAN EGAN of Belcamp

I can only hope that he dipenses a worse beating to Bertie than that unfortunately received by the deceased Mr Douche

Thats my proposal for bertie the taker of cash digouts

[TommyO'Brien]

The Irish Times seems to think we are getting one

1) Will we ?
2) Should we ?
3) Who will / should get honours ? B Ahern ?

cYp

We are currently one of only two states not to have an honours system. The other is China, and it is about to adopt one.

Every republic in the world other than Ireland and China has one.

There is no constitutional bar on one, once it gives honours and not enoblement.

[Sean-Bhean bhoct]

The Irish Times seems to think we are getting one

1) Will we ?
2) Should we ?
3) Who will / should get honours ? B Ahern ?



cYp

I think it's an excellent idea and one thats long overdue. It's been bounced around for a while now.

As regards who should get them there are a number of candidates. Firstly, our domestic candidates such as Mary Robinson, Seamus Heaney etc would be in the running. All those who made a positive contribution to our country would and should be rewarded.

Secondly, and arguably more important, are foreigners - people who helped our country in times of need or otherwise. The quintessential Irish-American's (and others) who gave something back. Senator George Mitchell for example. Or the Irish-Americans who pumped much needed money into our universities.

This awards system should serve primarily our diaspora. It should award those who truly helped our country and, until now, have received no formal recognition from the State. It would also go a long way towards re-establishing links with the Irish diaspora.

[Sean-Bhean bhoct]

However, my cynical side tells me that the timing of this couldn't be better. As i said this has been floating around for a while and it's no accident that its being considered in the current climate.

It should be used genuinely - and not as some ploy to take advantage of certain members of our diaspora or others in an attempt to lure them to help us out...financially would be the main area that springs to mind here.

There is scope for abuse and favouritism in this regard and therefore it should be left up to the Oireachtas in general, as opposed to government, to decide who is honoured. The people would have to have some say also...perhaps the President would make the final decision...

[Bobert]

We are currently one of only two states not to have an honours system. The other is China, and it is about to adopt one.

Every republic in the world other than Ireland and China has one.

There is no constitutional bar on one, once it gives honours and not enoblement.

China has an honours system. I remember reading about a basketball player who plays for the Chicago Bulls* receiving an honour for his contribution to China. It caused a lot of resentment towards him in China because of the exorbitant sums of money he earned in the US but they do have an honours system.


*I may be wrong.

[Thranduil]

We are currently one of only two states not to have an honours system. The other is China, and it is about to adopt one.

Every republic in the world other than Ireland and China has one.

There is no constitutional bar on one, once it gives honours and not enoblement.

That may be an interesting fact but it's not an argument, pro or against.

Personally i would be against the idea, the wrong people will be given them.

[cavok]

YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS ???

I will bring back Public Hangings before I allow an Honours System

Theres a contagion of self pandering scum that requires termination before we allow any navel gazing and back slapping

TUNE IN or CHECK OUT

[ibis]

Depends on who gets given them, of course. The first few will determine the actual worth of the awards - and it's not as if the Irish military services don't give medals.

[TommyO'Brien]

That may be an interesting fact but it's not an argument, pro or against.

Personally i would be against the idea, the wrong people will be given them.

It simply points out that the claim by some republicans in Ireland that an honours system is "anti-republican" and "something only the Brits do" is wrong.

They are the main arguments they hyperventilate at the mere mention of one. I simply pointed that (a) it is in no sense 'anti-republican' and (b) is not something only the Brits do. Nor contrary to myth is it unconstitutional.

Personally I can see no reason whatsoever to oppose it, once
(i) the honours awarded are transparent
(ii) the honours awarded are excluded from political patronage
(iiii) those genuinely deserving of one get it.