Taoiseach Micheál Martin has joked that weighing into the debate on Dublin’s live animal crib is “beyond his pay grade”.
The crib, which has been a Christmas staple outside the Mansion House on Dublin’s Dawson Street since the 1990s, has been cancelled by Green party Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy.
The move has been lambasted by Fine Gael, as well as the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).
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Former President Mary McAleese also called on Ms Conroy to row back on the decision. However, it does appear that the Green Lord Mayor will change her mind.
Asked about the issue at the unveiling of new social homes in Mulhuddart on Monday afternoon, the Taoiseach declined to weigh in on the debate.
He said that while he has enjoyed similar events in the past, people will have different opinions on the matter.
“Well, I have enjoyed Christmases in the past where we visited live animals. I could say that,” Mr Martin said.
“They were well looked after. We brought the kids up to see the live animals.
“Look, we have all different perspectives and people will have a variety of ways to enjoy Christmas.”
When asked by The Irish Mirror if the Lord Mayor should row back on her decision, Mr Martin replied: “I think this is beyond my pay grade.”
The Taoiseach’s quip comes just a day after Dublin City Councillor James Geoghegan called on Green Party leader Eamon Ryan to give his opinion on the controversy surrounding Dublin’s live crib.
A spokesperson for Minister Ryan told The Irish Mirror that it was a “council matter” and did not provide a comment. The crib and the Mansion House are both in Mr Ryan’s Dublin Bay South constituency.
Mr Geoghegan also branded a tweet from Green Party Cllr Claire Byrne suggesting that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael would put “dancing monkeys” and a “real baby” in the crib as “churlish”.
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