The recent visit of British Ambassador to Ireland, Kara Owen, to Galway prompted strong reactions at the November Plenary Meeting of Galway County Council, with Independent Connemara South councillor Tomás Ó Curraóin voicing firm objections.
Ambassador Owen, who previously served as British High Commissioner to Singapore, has personal ties to the region, as her husband is originally from Ballinasloe. During her visit, she was welcomed to Áras an Chontae in Prospect Hill by Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr David Collins, Mayor of Galway City Mike Cubbard, Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally and Galway City Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary.
Her Galway engagements were discussed at the council’s first meeting following the trip, where Cllr Ó Curraóin questioned the appropriateness of the visit.
“I am inquiring about the recent visit of the British Ambassador to the chamber,” he said. “I understand it was a joint meeting between the city council and the county council, the TDs and senators in Dublin. I got a call myself about it.”
He continued, “I think it’s very wrong that they come here. I don’t think that it is right that a member of the crown, who still occupies our six counties, comes here. If she was here to give a time and date of them leaving, that would be fine.”
'Butcher’s apron'
Cllr Ó Curraóin went on to reference the 12th-century Norman invasion and British rule in Northern Ireland. “1169, when Strongbow came here first, it is plenty of time for them to go. I was in England myself. I was there with a shovel and a pickaxe. They came with guns and weapons to occupy our north-east counties.”
Ó Curraóin also referenced historic events including the killings of the Loughnane brothers. “I don’t think it is appropriate, it is nothing personal. I know she is married to a Galway man.
“I have a strong, strong feeling of them being here while we are still occupied by the crown, who have subjugated us since 1169. If I was here, I wouldn’t be able to stay in the room with the butcher’s apron. It is nothing personal. It is just the position of the crown. I don’t accept any of the crown in this country until they leave the six counties of the North.”
He added, “I know people don’t agree with me, but I don’t care. I have been this way since I was ten years old.
“I have the finest time for the people of England, but not their crown. I don’t believe that their flag can be flown unless they give the date and time they are leaving, and it is long overdue. I have no problem with someone’s politics and religion. If I had known in time, I would have picketed it. If the flag was up, I would have pulled it down, even if I was going to end up in Mill Street (Garda Station ).”
'Aggressive outburst'
Other councillors also shared their views. Cllr Dermot Connolly of Sinn Féin raised concerns about how the visit was organised, saying that had he attended, he would have questioned the Ambassador “about the GFA and their resistance to allowing a referendum for Irish unity”.
Independent Ireland councillor Declan Kelly said he also supports a united Ireland, but urged clarity. “I think it important that we don’t confuse the Ambassador with the Northern Ireland Secretary. I am very anxious that any visitor regarding trade be shown a warm welcome.”
Fine Gael councillor Jimmy McClearn criticised the tone of Ó Curraóin’s remarks. “I think Tom’s outburst is aggressive. I don’t think that language is welcome in today’s society. I spoke to the lady (Ambassador Owen ) and what she was interested in was the amount of trade with Galway County. Maybe some here feel that we don’t need that trade. Nobody here needs a history lesson.
“Normally I have no problem with Tom, but I have a problem with his comments today.”
Sinn Féin councillor Martin McNamara noted the tense atmosphere in the chamber and added, “I have to say I share some of the sentiments shared by Cllr Ó Curraóin.”
