A councillor made history yesterday when he became the first Sinn Fein member to wear the Lord Mayor of Dublin's chain of office.
Councillor Christy Burke deputised for the Lord Mayor, Mr Joe Doyle, when he officially opened an upgraded Ormond Square project in Dublin.
"It's the first time a Sinn Fein councillor has been appointed deputy Lord Mayor and I'm very proud and honoured to do that," he said. "It shows a change in the times when a Fine Gael Lord Mayor can choose me to be his deputy." ein made him very proud indeed to be in the role and he was proud for the party.
Mr Burke was particularly pleased with the project he was asked to open as he was born and reared in the area.
Mr Burke was optimistic for the future, too. "It won't be too long before a Sinn Fein councillor will be Lord Mayor of Dublin. Maybe at the next election."
In a light shower of rain, Mr Burke happily posed for photographers on the slide with the local children in their new play area.
The new-look square was designed by Dublin Corporation's Architects, Parks and Road Design Division. Ormond Square is situated just off Ormond Quay Upper and located in the HARP (Historic Area Rejuvenation Project). The chairman of HARP is Mr Tony Gregory, TD and councillor, who yesterday introduced Mr Burke.
The new design is a result of consultations with the residents who wanted to retain the square's character while improving the appearance and accessibility of the space.
Two play areas with a specially designed safety surface have been provided as well as improvements to the roads and pavements. Trees will be added around the perimeter during the planting season.