The Dunnes Store strikers have said they are “very humbled” that Nelson Mandela’s grandson has called for them to be given the Freedom of Dublin.

South African MP Mandla Mandela made the call while speaking at a virtual event in support of Palestine earlier this week.  

40-years ago, Dunnes Store worker Mary Manning declined to handle goods from South Africa and was suspended from her job as a result. 

Several of her colleagues walked out in support of her and began a strike that lasted for nearly three years.

On Lunchtime Live, Ms Manning said the strikers were “very humbled” by Mr Mandela’s recognition of their support for the anti-apartheid movement. 

“All the strikers, we’re originally from Dublin… we’re all Dublin at heart and to have something like that from your own home town would be a huge honour,” she said. 

Dunnes Stores workers on strike outside Dunnes on Henry Street. L to R. Eamon O'Donoghue, Mary Manning, Catherine O'Reilly and Nicky Kelly. 1985 Photo: Eamonn Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Ms Manning said she would like to see more people recognised for the good work they do for Irish society. 

“It would be nice for ordinary workers to get it,” she said. 

“There’s plenty of people who now are doing really solid work on the ground but they don’t get any recognition for it. 

“I know that’s not the reason why they’re doing it but, at the same time, it would be nice to have some sort of recognition for people who are on the streets, day in, day out, helping the homeless. 

“Just normal people doing normal things.” 

British example

In his work as a journalist, Enda Brady has covered numerous investitures in Britain and feels it would be “entirely possible” for Ireland to set one up. 

Despite this, he’s not keen on the idea. 

“I don’t think we need one; I think people who do good in Irish society, we know who they are,” he said. 

“I think that’s a great thing about the Irish psyche and how our community works in every town and village up and down the country. 

“We know who the local heroes are; we know who the real heroes are and we know who the good people are. 

“I don't think Irish people need letters after their name or in front of their name for anyone to tip their hat to them.” 

As Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern often said he favoured the creation of an honours system but never got around to setting one up.

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Main image: Mary Manning kneels next to a plaque commemorating a the anti-Apartheid Strike, 18/06/2008 Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo