FORMER TÁNAISTE and government minister Peter Barry was yesterday described as being “unquestionably the best taoiseach this country nearly had” as he was granted the freedom of his beloved native Cork city in a ceremony at City Hall.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Fine Gael councillor Dara Murphy said respect for Mr Barry crossed the political divide and that he had been inundated with messages of goodwill following the decision to confer the freedom of the city on the 82-year-old.
“In Peter Barry I believe we have a man that embodies all that is best about Cork people. Peter Barry sums up the very many great elements we have in our society and in our people. We put great stock in Cork in family business. There probably is no family business that sums up Cork better than Barry’s Tea. We are very proud of that sense of tradition.”
Cllr Murphy also paid tribute to Peter Barry’s “illustrious political career” and in particular his role as minister for foreign affairs in the Anglo Irish Agreement of 1985. Cllr Murphy said there was significant opposition to the agreement and it took “bravery and determination” to see it through.
“It is important to remember that there was significant and opportunistic political opposition at the time. There are people, I believe, alive in our country today thanks to the ambition of Peter Barry.”
Peter Barry, who was a Fine Gael TD from 1969-1997 and lord mayor of Cork city in 1970, a decade after his father, Anthony Barry, was visibly moved by the presence at yesterday’s ceremony of former Fine Gael taoiseach Liam Cosgrave. Mr Barry, in giving his speech, said his aim was to speak less than a previous unnamed recipient who spoke for half an hour more than football-manager Roy Keane who barely uttered a word.
He took the opportunity in the course of his speech to show his support for current Fine Gael party leader Enda Kenny who was in attendance at yesterday’s ceremony amid disappointing MRBI poll results.
Mr Barry said Mr Kenny was “doing well” and was “not finished yet”. Speaking prior to the ceremony, Mr Barry said Mr Kenny was doing a marvellous job.
“He took over a party that was on its knees, demoralised and weak in numbers and he has built that steadily over the years and I am certain he is going to be in the next government.” The Barry’s Tea magnate also told attendees that he was honoured by the presence of Mr Cosgrave.
“One of the great patriots of this country who unbeknownst to me arrived here today. I am very honoured, humble and very pleased to see people.” Mr Barry, whose daughter Deirdre Clune retained his seat when he retired from politics in 1997, also spoke of his great pride in his city.
“We are a proud people. We are not the capital city and I don’t think we should aspire to be the capital city. We are unique in ourselves.
“We have different attitudes and different interests.” Mr Barry paid tribute to his wife Margaret and to his family for their love and support during and beyond his political career.
Speaking prior to the conferring Ms Clune, TD for Cork South Central said it was a special day for all her family.
“As a family we are very proud. We think it is an important day and we’re delighted that the city is recognising his contribution both as a politician and as a businessman.