Sir, – I would like join those who have expressed dismay at the proposed merger of our cultural institutions.
In the attempt to bundle together the National Gallery of Ireland and Irish Museum of Modern Art, neither would be served well, since each carries completely different agendas, needs and roles; one housing the visual arts of the past, the other the contemporary, by nature challenging the status quo, while adding to the tapestry of our national identity.
I appeal to the Minister for the Arts to reconsider the proposed merger of our cultural institutions, making it clear to the people of Ireland his philosophic and economic policies. – Yours, etc,