I know when I say honours system most people are instantly going to think of the British honours system where some citizens are “elevated” above others. That’s not what I’m suggesting.
I’m thinking more along the lines of France (another proud republic) who have a [series of medals, orders, and decorations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orders,_decorations,_and_medals_of_France) for honouring French citizens and foreign people who have contributed to French society. Most notably the [Legion of Honour](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legion_of_Honour). It’s not about being “above” anyone else and more about “hey you did something great and we’d like to formally recognise that”.
I truly believe Irish people punch above their weight, not just at home but also around the world. Furthermore there’s been plenty of people who aren’t Irish but have contributed greatly to Irish society though things like the peace process, international development, philanthropy, and international relations.
It’s a shame the state doesn’t have a formal way to recognise the achievements of indigenous success and people who have made lasting contributions to Irish society. I’d like to see us form some sort of system to formally recognise those achievements (or maybe revise an older system if we had one historically).
I know some might call it to pompous and lacking modesty, but I don’t see it that way. In my view there’s nothing wrong with celebrating Ireland and the people who have and are currently making Ireland what it is today.
4 comments
I’m surprised this is such a hot take
You’d have to change the constitution which would require a referendum and cost millions… “Article 40, section 2 of the Constitution states in full:
1° Titles of nobility shall not be conferred by the State.
2° No title of nobility or of honour may be accepted by any citizen except with the prior approval of the Government.”
Ireland’s Constitution strictly forbids state issued titles and honors. It is against the foundational law of our country to issue such nonsense.
Titles and honors are expressions of class differences and designed to subjugate the general population by claiming that some people are “special”. Ireland suffered 800 years of subjugation and enforced class differences under British rule and we will never allow the trapping of such a feudal and monarchical system to ever appear here again.
If you like crap like that, then apply for British citizenship.
Like a Gaisce for adults?
I think it’s a fine idea, but I’d see the titles left out of it.