Dublin City’s centuries-old Latin motto, “Obedientia Civium Urbis Felicitas”, translated as “The obedience of the citizens produces a happy city”, is once again under scrutiny, with local representatives and former officials questioning its relevance in a modern, democratic society.
Green Party councillor Hazel Chu is the latest to speak out, calling the idea behind the motto “flawed.” While she acknowledged the importance of citizens abiding by the law, she questioned where the responsibility truly lies.
“Is the onus on the citizens, or should it be on the council and those who manage the city, who are supposed to be serving its people?” Chu said.
Efforts to change the motto stretch back more than a decade. In 2014, former Lord Mayor and Labour councillor Mary Freehill campaigned for a new city slogan, arguing the current one focused too heavily on obedience rather than community wellbeing. Her campaign attracted some public and media support, including from Irish Times columnist Frank McNally, who wrote at the time that “making Dublin’s happiness conditional on civic obedience is probably unwise.”
Despite that momentum, Freehill’s efforts failed to gain majority support in the council chamber.
A few years later, in July 2017, Dublin City Council passed a motion to consider replacing the title of “Lord Mayor” and to invite the public to submit ideas for a new city slogan. However, according to Labour councillor Dermot Lacey, who supported the initiative, the plan never moved forward. Both Freehill and her party colleague Andrew Montague, another proponent of the change, are no longer serving on the council.
Today, the Latin motto still adorns official city documents and signage. Freehill, speaking recently, said she remains disappointed. “It’s a pity. Happy is the city whose citizens are caring,” she said, reiterating her belief that the motto should reflect civic compassion rather than compliance.
Critics argue that the current motto sends the wrong message in an era where inclusive governance and social cohesion are more vital than ever. They say it reflects outdated values, glorifies authority, and doesn’t speak to the challenges and priorities of modern urban life.
It is unknown if Dublin City Council is currently considering a change or what process would be required to start a process to change it.
For now, the city’s official message remains unchanged, but the debate over what it should say continues.
