Politics

Varadkar ‘reluctant’ to introduce State honorary title under Seanad bill

Honours - similar to the likes of the UK’s MBE - would be known as Gradam an Uachtaráin and recognise the exceptional achievements of citizens and the outstanding contributions of others

  • June 13, 2023
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar: “Looking across the world and to other parts of the world, you often see people getting honours for the wrong reasons because of their connections.” Picture: Getty

It would allow recipients to be referred to with a suffix of GU at the end of their name.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there is a “significant degree of unease” about a Bill in the Seanad which would provide for the awarding of a State honour and title.

The government does not plan to oppose the Bill at this stage but a spokesman said this does not mean it accepts the legislation.

Under the ...