Aung San Suu Kyi honoured in Dublin

It had been a long wait but, this past Monday, an icon of the Burmese struggle and symbol of democratic hope finally made it to Irish shores. Twelve years after former political prisoner and current pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi had been awarded the freedom of Dublin, the 67-year old arrived in the capital to both officially accept that accolade and be presented with Amnesty's highest honour, The Ambassador Of Conscience Award.

A continuation of her first visit to Europe in close to a quarter of a century, it was a whistle-stop tour that attracted the attention of the nation. And as with any Irish celebration, music played an important part.

The fine surrounds of Grand Canal Square was a hub of activity, with the main attraction being Electric Burma, a concert held in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Suu Kyi's honour. The star-studded line-up keen to pay their respects crossed the arts and disciplines, all united in their support for Amnesty and the Burmese cause.

There were songs from Bono, Damien Rice, Declan O'Rourke and international artists Lupe Fiasco and Angélique Kidjo, readings from Bob Geldof, Vanessa Redgrave and young Irish actors Jack Gleeson and Saoirse Ronan. Naturally, Riverdance also featured.

Before all of that, there was the red carpet, where Hot Press caught up with The Lord Mayor Of Dublin, Andrew Montague. Montague expressed his delight at being involved in what he felt was an historic day.
"It's just wonderful that we finally get to celebrate Aung San Suu Kyi's freedom with her," he said. "We didn't know if we were ever going to see that day. It's an amazing event and amazing that she could come to Ireland."

Montague pointed out that the country had long supported Aung San Suu Kyi, now the General Secretary of Burma's National League Of Democracy, throughout her struggle.
"We absolutely did and we should be proud of that. It's the peaceful campaigning that she did that's so important."

Joining him was Mary Freehill, who was the Lord Mayor integral to giving Suu Kyi was given the Freedom Of The City back in 2000. It was an important day for her personally.

"Absolutely. And also particularly for Burma Action Ireland. They kept the issue right at the forefront all of the time. It's a very proud day."

Freehill tempered this by saying that the issues facing Burma had not gone away and that it is important that Suu Kyi has our support in the future. "We will continue to fight to help her bring about democracy in Burma."

Having been met at Dublin airport by Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Aung San Suu Kyi's arrival at Grand Canal Square met with rapturous applause and a red carpet Guard Of Honour from a collection of children living in Dublin.

Following the concert, the culmination of her visit came when Suu Kyi signed the Roll Of Honorary Freedom Of The City Of Dublin and addressed the crowd, calling the experience "one of the most unforgettable days of my life."

"I have been welcomed to Ireland as if I belonged to you,” she said. “You have stood by us in our times of troubles.”

Photos: Katie Stenson