06/12/2013

Call For Dunnes Stores Strikers To Attend Funeral Of Nelson Mandela

The Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Brendan Smith TD has called on the Government to make arrangements for representatives of the Dunnes Stores strikers to attend the funeral of Nelson Mandela.

Deputy Smith commented: "The 12 Dunnes Stores workers who stood up against apartheid clearly had a special place in Nelson Mandela's heart. Mr Mandela recognised their bravery, their commitment and the personal sacrifices they made to highlight violence and oppression in South Africa. It was clear that while he was an inspiration to these 12 brave Irish workers, they too were an inspiration to him and his people.

"As a small gesture to recognise the role that they played in the fight against apartheid, I believe it would be appropriate for Government to facilitate the Dunnes Stores strikers to be represented at Nelson Mandela's funeral. It is only right that they should have the opportunity to pay their final respects to a man who had great respect for them."

(CD/JP)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 December 2013
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Nelson Mandela
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela saying that, with his passing, "a great light has been extinguished". He said: "The name Mandela stirred our conscience and our hearts. It became synonymous with the pursuit of dignity and freedom across the globe. "A great light has been extinguished.
09 May 2011
Nelson Probe Findings To Be Made Public
The results of a public inquiry ordered by the British and Irish governments into the murder of Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson will be made public later this month. NI Secretary of State, Owen Paterson said the report would be shown to the Nelson family before it is published in full on 23 May.
17 July 2008
Dunne Could Run In European Elections
Irish entrepreneur Ben Dunne has said he could run as an independent candidate in next years European Parliament elections. Mr Dunne claims he will put himself forward for the elections if there is a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty before then.
21 November 2016
Latest Figures Reveal Dunnes Stores As Ireland's Biggest Grocery Retailer
Dunnes Stores is Ireland's largest grocery retailer, according to the latest supermarket share figures from Kantar Worldpanel. In the 12 weeks to 06 November 2016, the retailer increased its market share to 22.6% – up from 22.0% this time last year.
11 June 2015
Minister For Jobs And Business Expresses 'Disappointment' With Dunnes Stores
Dunnes Stores have been urged to engage with the Mandate union in an ongoing dispute over pay, contracts and negotiating rights. Minister of State for Jobs and Business, Ged Nash, made the call as he reintroduced the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2015, which seeks to reinstate Registered Employment Agreements.