Ireland’s new “woke society” has been accused of lacking respect for “traditional Irish cultures” by a Fianna Fáil Councillor in Cork. 

Earlier this week, councillors in Cork approved a motion that will see the City Council consider whether Bishop Lucy Park should be renamed. 

Supporting the motion, councillors cited clerical abuse that took place during Bishop Lucey’s tenure as one reason why the park should be stripped of his name. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Fianna Fáil Councillor Terry Shannon explained why he voted against the motion. 

“Why are all the old certainties done away?” he asked. 

“We have accepted this new dispensation in Ireland where there’s a new kind of ‘woke society’ for want of a better word. 

“And where we’re expected to accept what the liberal or radical left expects of us? 

“These people, they talk about inclusivity and tolerance, but that doesn’t extend them to traditional Irish cultures.” 

Bishop Lucey Park in Cork City Centre. Picture by: AG News/Alamy Live News

Cllr Shannon described this as “intolerance”, adding that he fears that Bishop Lucey Park might not be the only Cork landmark to be renamed. 

“If we were to accept that we change the name of Bishop Lucey Park on the basis there were failures of the Catholic Church - and we all recognise those failures,” he said. 

“Well, where will that end? Will we take down Fr Matthew off the plinth? Will we rename St Patrick’s Street? 

“Will we take down the Papal Cross at the Phoenix Park? Will everyone called John Paul be asked to change their names? 

“Where does that end? If we are being preached by these people about inclusivity, tolerance and we’re all in this together, shouldn’t they have a bit of tolerance for people who have what they might describe as traditional values?”

'What is wrong with a prayer?'

Cllr Shannon continued that he still believes Ireland is a “Christian and Catholic country”.

“But to listen to some of the debate on Monday, you’d swear that wasn’t the case,” he said. 

Noting that Cork City Council, like Dáil Éireann, begins sessions with a prayer, Cllr Shannon he believes the world could benefit from more religion. 

“I often wonder, what is wrong with a prayer?” he said. 

“I’m not overly religious myself but I’m just making the point, maybe if we had a bit more prayer, we might have a bit more peace.”

Main image: A crucifix outside a school. Picture by: Richard Wayman/Alamy