Word on the street: Obama awarded ‘Freedom of Dublin City’

President Barack Obama is photographed during a presidential portrait sitting for an official photo in the Oval Office, Dec. 6, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

What do you think?  The streets of The Liberties were full of  opinions on the matter:

“I think he deserves it.  I think he got a lot of slack but Obamacare was great.  He did so much for inequality and since he’s left it has just gone downhill, so it just shows what he’s done so far,” said Ruth Flanagan (23).

David Toner (49), said: “I think it’s great.  I didn’t always agree with what he did as President but I think he’s basically a good guy.  I think in terms of American history, he is an important figure.  

“I think he was good to Ireland, I mean he visited here and it was a great success and I was wondering whether he would maintain the relationship that for instance Clinton had with this country and he seems to have made an effort on it.  

“I think if you have a problem with the operations of the US abroad and particularly with the US military abroad then I think you should be aiming your objections at our government as regards the use of Shannon.”

Margaret O’Neill (51), added: “I think he was a very effective US President and his whole interaction with community seemed to be really good.  

“He seems to be really respectful of women.  Just a lovely president, trying to get Obamacare up and established in America where it’s very hard to get any type of healthcare.  They shouldn’t have left the meeting, that solves no problems.”

Former US President Bill Clinton also received the award in 1995 for his involvement in the peace process.