Momentum is growing behind support for a statue of Sinéad O’Connor in Dublin as “some rules are there to be broken”.
Currently, a person must be dead for at least 20 years before a statue can be commissioned.
However, Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghan has said an exemption should be made for the much loved singer who passed away last year.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan said a statue as a “great idea”.
“Sinéad O’Connor will be remembered as a rule breaker and trail blazer,” he said.
“She used her platform in music to challenge everything, to break the rules, to push out the envelope.
“She challenged the Catholic Church, she promoted choice for women and challenged misogyny.
“She promoted Irish unity and British withdrawal, she supported the Palestinians.”
The hearse carrying Sinead O'Connor's body passes by crowds of well-wishers and mourners lining the Bray seafront ahead of her funeral, 08-08-2023. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNewsCllr Doolan said O’Connor “was never one to play strictly by the rules” and the Council should approach a memorial of her with a similar mindset.
“If there was ever a case of needing to break the rules, it’s for a statue for Sinéad O’Connor,” he said.
“I think that should be part of how she should be remembered.”
Sinead O'Connor is seen at the Grammy Awards in New York City, 22-2-89. Image: Associated Press / AlamyAs a young man, Cllr Doolan spent time in London and recalled how much O’Connor was admired among people of their generation.
“To have someone with an Irish accent on the stage, behind a microphone, speaking for me meant a lot,” he said.
“She didn’t play by the rules, she didn’t ask us to play by the rules, she encouraged us to break the rules and I think we’re better for it.
“I think some rules are there to be broken.”
Last week, a statue of O’Connor was withdrawn from the National Wax Museum as it “did not meet our high standards or the expectations of Sinéad’s devoted fans".
Main image: Sinéad O'Connor. Picture by: Alamy.com
