Taoiseach accepts sculpture

A BUST of Mr Sean Lemass has been presented to the Government by the European League for Economic Co-operation (ELEC).

The league is a non-profit making organisation without political affiliation which fosters economic rapprochement within Europe. It has sections in 20 countries and has consultative status at the Council of Europe.

ELEC commissioned the bust of Mr Lemass because of his pioneering role in focusing Ireland on Europe and the potential that Europe's markets could have for economic growth in the State.

The bust, which depicts a young Mr Lemass, was presented to the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, on behalf of the Government to mark the first ELEC Sean Lemass Memorial Lecture, which was delivered by the US Democratic Party chairman Senator Chris Dodd. The lecture was jointly sponsored by The Irish Times and Scottish Provident.

Mr Bruton is an admirer of Mr Lemass and has a portrait of him over his desk. The bust was executed by Mr Jarlath Daly.