Ireland

Dustin the Turkey receives Thanksgiving 'pardon' in Dublin

Dustin the Turkey was 'pardoned' by acting US Ambassador Reece Smyth in Dublin
Dustin the Turkey was 'pardoned' by acting US Ambassador Reece Smyth in Dublin Dustin the Turkey was 'pardoned' by acting US Ambassador Reece Smyth in Dublin

POPULAR Irish puppet Dustin the Turkey was given an official 'pardon' at a Thanksgiving reception in the US Ambassador's residence in Dublin last night.

It is traditional for the US President to 'pardon' a turkey which would normally end up on the Thanksgiving dinner table.

And acting US Ambassador Reece Smyth brought the tradition to Dublin following a request from Dustin the Turkey - Ireland's Eurovision entry in 2008.

Mr Smyth said he had got authorisation from US President Donald Trump to spare Dustin.

"I had to think long and hard and I consulted with many members of the Irish public on what was the best course of action," he said.

"While opinion was divided on whether it was time to finally roast this turkey, ultimately I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and spare him.

"I just hope he appreciates this second chance and doesn’t let me down in the future."

During the event, Dustin the Turkey made an impassioned plea.

"And I call on all of you here today to please become vegan, vegetarian and march to Áras an Uachtaráin with me now to tell Michael D Higgins that the turkey is no longer the traditional Thanksgiving dinner," he said.

He later said he hoped President Higgins would "take the nod from the Americans and pardon me this Christmas".