Just to let everyone know that the new government Minister for Defence has confirmed back in a response to an e-mail I sent, that Tom Crean's name will remain in consideration for naming of the new flagship. Response was as follows:

"Dear Mr. Foley

I have been asked by Mr Simon Coveney T.D., Minister for Defence, to reply to your email dated 11 July 2020 enquiring about the current status of the Multi Role Vessel (MRV) project and your proposal that the new vessel be named after Tom Crean.

The MRV project team are continuing work on the planning phase of the project.  Planning for a large complex project such as this can take a considerable amount of time and there are several more phases and processes to be undertaken before the project reaches Keel Laying stage.

As mentioned in previous correspondence on the subject your proposal regarding the name will be borne in mind at that stage."

So, as suspected and given the times we are in, there will be a long wait. We can use that time to generate more signatures though and on that note I've changed the profile image with a clear call out. The #SignForTom icon below is also available as a metal lapel pin badge with butterfly clips in the same colours depicted on the image. It's a good shout out for supporters and a great excuse to go on a roll about Tom Crean's heroics for those who are intrigued by it. 

Thanks for reading and hope everyone is keeping safe in the difficult times we are in.