By John Smith • Published: 23 Sep 2025 • 16:04 • 2 minutes readPresident Obama and Michelle at the White House Credit: Barack Obama FacebookIt was in 2017 that the City of Dublin conferred the Freedom of the City on former US President Barack as well as his wife Michelle. President Obama to collect Freedom of City of Dublin despite political oppositionThere is still argument between Dublin politicians about the award which will be the 89th granting of the Freedom of Dublin (with three other former presidents Ulysses S Grant, John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton being recognised). As Lord Mayor, it’s my job to ensure the wishes of the elected members are complied with” according to The Journal. President Obama to collect Freedom of City of Dublin but needs to stand by with sword and bowIt appears that the benefits of accepting the Freedom of the City of Dublin include;The right to bring goods into Dublin through the city gates, without paying customs duties. There are however obligations which in turn include;Each Freeman or Freewoman must be ready to defend the city from attack.