Security consulted over President taking a spin in Dev’s Dodge

President Michael D Higgins may go behind the wheel of the most famous car in Clare before he is accorded a civic reception next Thursday, depending on clearance from his own security personnel.

The possibility of President Higgins taking a short trip in Eamon de Valera’s black Dodge as part of his first official visit to Clare on Thursday, June 14, increased this week.

“I will have to talk to my security people. If the county council write in with this request, I will have someone examine it,” he said on Wednesday morning when asked by The Clare Champion if he would consider being photographed in the old black Dodge or taking a short trip in the vehicle after he officially opened the new Alzheimer’s Respite Day Centre at Ballina, Killaloe. “I always try to do whatever is most suitable for the people locally. But I am not the judge in this case.”

Director of services Ger Dollard confirmed the council is in discussions with staff in the President’s office regarding the civic reception for President Higgins next week.

“The matter will be further discussed with the staff of the President’s office and the local gardaí,” he said.

“This vehicle was fully restored last year and is a very important part of our local heritage. The work undertaken brought the vehicle back to a usable condition but it is questionable whether a trip around the town would be feasible or possible for operational and security reasons.

“However, the council will follow up on the interest expressed by the President and see what might be possible on the day,” he added.

Mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Hayes said he would be delighted if the president got the opportunity to use this car.

“It would be wonderful to roll out de Valera’s Dodge for this historic day. Dodge is an integral part of Clare’s political history,” he said.

If this plan comes to fruition, Mr Higgins would become the third president to use the car built by Crysler Corporation Company in 1947, following in the footsteps of Sean T O’Ceallaigh and Eamonn de Valera.
The skills of mechanic Councillor PJ Ryan ensured de Valera’s black Dodge was gleaming again following months of restoration work last year.

Councillor Ryan, who has offered to drive the new President around Ennis, insists the Dodge is roadworthy.

“Michael D is entitled to get a spin in de Valera’s car considering he is the third Clareman to become President. The car has all the symbols of the presidency, the tricolour and a badge on its roof so it would be more than suitable to be used by the new President.

“It would be great to showcase the county if Michael D used de Valera’s car and it would also help to boost tourism and visitor numbers into Clare,” he said.

Built in Detroit by the Crysler Corporation Company, the car is 226 inches long, 75 inches wide and 66 inches in height. Built like a tank, it wasn’t the most economical and Councillor Ryan estimates it would only do 10 miles to the gallon. It can transport eight people plus the driver.

When it was first used by former President, Sean T O’Ceallaigh, it was maroon but de Valera changed to black once he got his hands on it in 1959.

It also had a badge on the roof like one of the vehicles used by the Royal Family in England to signify it was used by the President of Ireland.