Flagging support for Vatican

By Laoise Neylon
Sunday Times
July 22, 2018

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/flagging-support-for-vatican-8c7d0s9h9

Solidarity councillor Mick Murphy admitted his colleagues may have voted differently if Pope Francis was to visit the area

South Dublin councillors vote against flying standard in honour of visit by Pope Francis

South Dublin county council has voted not to fly the Vatican flag on County Hall in Tallaght during the papal visit next month.

A motion by Renua councillor Ronan McMahon to raise the flag in honour of Pope Francis was defeated by 11 votes to nine last week, with several abstentions.

The council’s protocols allow for the flag of a nation state to be flown in honour of a visiting dignitary, but only if councillors vote in favour.

In defeating the motion last week, some councillors cited the Catholic church’s record on child abuse.

“I’m very disappointed that the motion was defeated and also people’s aggressive attitude to it,” said McMahon. “The Pope coming to Ireland is a big deal for most Catholics and it…