An intriguing situation has unfolded in Limerick, Ireland, following the Coronation, revolving around the actions of the current Mayor, Councillor Timothy Ryan. Mayor Ryan, associated with the Nationalist political party in Limerick, drew attention for his conspicuous presence at the Coronation ceremony in the Abbey. However, his decision to attend without seeking the approval of the Corporation has ignited a local political storm.
Councillor Ryan, also managing a branch of the Cleeve firm in Limerick, has been a prominent figure in the Nationalist political scene. His association with the party took an unexpected turn when, during Mr John Redmond’s recent visit to Limerick, he called for “Cheers for the Molly Maguires” from the mayor’s chair. This stance, coupled with his unauthorised participation in the Coronation, has raised eyebrows among his fellow aldermen and councillors.
Before Mayor Ryan’s departure for the Coronation, the Corporation, led by Alderman John O’Brien acting as the temporary deputy Mayor, convened to express their unanimous disapproval of his actions. They countermanded the Mayor’s order to hoist the civic flag and distanced themselves from his unprecedented attendance at the Coronation without their consent. The aldermen and councillors, irate at what they deemed a breach of protocol, conveyed their displeasure at being kept in the dark about his decision.
Sources suggest that Mayor Ryan may have already been offered a knighthood, speculating that his actions could be a deliberate snub towards the Council. There are murmurs that the Mayor, having maximised his term as the city’s leader, is now seeking new horizons.
Interestingly, one councillor, Mr John Dalton, known for his extreme Nationalist views, seemed to have foreseen the unfolding events. Back in January, during the Mayoral election, he proposed a resolution urging candidates to commit to not attending the Coronation or accepting “British honours.” Although initially ridiculed by some, recent events have elevated Mr Dalton’s foresight.
In the aftermath of Mayor Ryan’s return, aldermen and councillors are determined to hold him accountable for his actions. A requisition has been signed, demanding a special meeting to address the controversy and subject the Mayor to scrutiny. However, Mayor Ryan, citing unspecified reasons, expresses regret over his inability to summon the meeting, leaving councillors discontented.
While this may seem like a localized political matter, the implications extend beyond Limerick. The controversy underscores how individual actions, driven by personal ambition over principles and duty, can cast a shadow on the Nationalist cause. The Limerick Corporation’s perceived disloyalty may be exploited in the English press to portray the Irish as disrespectful to the monarchy, potentially fuelling wider scepticism regarding the sincerity of Nationalist sentiments.
As the Limerick Corporation grapples with internal strife, the incident raises questions about the delicate balance between personal aspirations and party allegiance within the Nationalist movement. Mayor Ryan’s actions, viewed by some as a quest for personal distinction, highlight the challenges faced by Nationalist leaders in navigating their political roles while upholding the principles they claim to champion.
In the days to come, Limerick awaits a resolution to this controversy. The Corporation stands divided on how best to address the fallout from Mayor Ryans unconventional participation in the Coronation, leaving the city and its politics in a state of uncertainty.
Dublin Leader – Saturday 08 July 1911
