Barack Obama was presented with the Freedom of the City of Dublin during a private ceremony in the Irish capital. The honour, Dublin’s highest civic award, recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the world and whose values reflect those cherished by Dubliners. Crowds gathered outside the Shelbourne Hotel as he arrived after 3.30pm on Thursday.

In a statement, the former US president said he accepted the honour with ‘deep humility’. He added: ‘These are, undoubtedly, times of great challenge and great change. But it is in moments like these that we are reminded of who we truly are. We are people, the Irish and Americans, who never stop imagining a brighter future for us all. That defiant, enduring hope has always been an unshakeable bond that connects our two countries, and so many others around the world. May we continue to strengthen those ties, and keep working to make our world a little more just, more equal, more prosperous, and more free.’

Obama signed the Roll of Honour during the ceremony and was presented with gifts including a first edition of Ulysses, a bottle of Teelings Dublin Whiskey and a commemorative scroll with calligraphy by Aoife Lyons. Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam said it was a great honour to confer the Freedom of the City on Mr Obama on behalf of the citizens of Dublin. The award is one of 88 occasions since 1876. The Government was represented at the ceremony by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, with former taoiseach Brian Cowen also in attendance.