Limerick City Council voted unanimously yesterday to make President Clinton a freeman when he visits the city on September 5th.
Acknowledging all-party agreement the mayor, Cllr Joe Harrington, said: "In conferring this honour on President Clinton, the members are giving due recognition to the contribution he has made to the peace process in Ireland. The city council and the people of Limerick and Ireland will remember him as the best friend this country, North and South, Catholic and Protestant, has had in Washington this century and his contribution to the battle for peace cannot be overstated."
Limerick's new £6 million City Hall is to serve as the operations base for the international press corps accompanying Mr Clinton.