A Dublin publican has been ordered by a court to remove a huge banner barring Queen Elizabeth II from his premises during her State visit in May.
Judge Paul Kelly today ordered John Stokes to give an undertaking to remove the sign from outside the Players Lounge in Fairview, and not to erect another one.
“You have a perfect right to protest as long as you do this within the law,” the judge said at Dublin District Court. “I’ve no doubt there will be a planning issue with a sign that size.”
Mr Stokes, the father of Celtic footballer Anthony Stokes, said he reluctantly agreed to take down the controversial sign after a senior garda threatened to object to his application for six late licences
Insp Liam Dillon told the court his objection, based on public safety concerns, would be withdrawn if the banner was removed by 5pm.
The publican agreed, stating the livelihoods of his 12 staff members would be at risk if he did not get the late licences at the pub.
Outside the court, Mr Stokes (54), vowed to continue his protest against the queen’s visit. “I’ll just have to find another way that’s acceptable to An Garda Síochána."
Mr Stokes claimed his objection was not against the queen as a person, but as the head of state and commander of the British Forces.
“This is nothing against English people. We’ve a lot of English people in the pub, we show English football, and we’re quite happy to do that,” he said. “I do feel it’s not the right time for the queen to visit this country and I feel I have a democratic right to express that view. She still occupies part of our country and as long as she does I will always object to her presence in this country.”
PA