A minister has called for common sense over whether a live animal crib should go ahead in Dublin city this Christmas.
It emerged at the weekend that a live animal crib will not be installed outside the Dublin Mayor's residence, Mansion House, as has been the case for 25 years.
According to Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys, "people in the city don't get the same opportunity" to observe farm animals as her grandson does in her home Co. Monaghan.
According to Humphreys, "I believe that for a small child to acquire that experience, to see those live animals in the middle of the city, was something that many families enjoyed. I would say I hope that common sense prevails here and a solution is found."
"What I'm saying is that I believe common sense should win out and a solution should be discovered.
"I think it's important to stress that a child going to look at an animal, I'm sure you've seen it yourself, the delight they have in seeing, whether it's sheep, goats, or cattle, is something to see, and I hope that common sense wins," the speaker said.
Green Party member and current lord mayor Caroline Conroy said the crib was "excellent, but we can go better," suggesting choirs, games, or a Santa postbox would be more engaging for kids.
Council members from Fine Gael criticised the decision as "Grinch-like" and declared they will bring an emergency resolution to the council meeting on November 7 in an effort to reverse it.
Since then, there has been an increase in the debate over whether the live animal crib should be held in the capital, with input from numerous political leaders.
Mary McAleese, a former Irish president, reportedly wrote to Conroy about the matter, and Mary Hanafin, a former education minister and Fianna Fail councilwoman, suggested Dun Laoghaire as an alternative option.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin declined to enter the discussion when questioned about it on Tuesday, claiming that it was out of his area of expertise.
