Madam, - Why is it that we in Ireland have to do everything the hard way? The important decision about the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road was not taken without years of prevarication and indecision. Now, in 2005, the Abbey Theatre is still without an assured home for the future.
It is as if the Abbey were an orphan to be passed on from one embarrassed and reluctant relative to another rather than (as is the case) a favourite grandchild in whom our hopes for future glory rests.
The relocation of the Abbey and the restoration of O'Connell Street to its former grandeur are national issues of the first importance. I welcome the news, therefore, that Dublin City councillors are renewing their efforts to have the Abbey relocated on the site of the Carlton Cinema.
It is a forward-looking decision worthy of public support, not only in Dublin but in Ireland as a whole. - Yours, etc.,
GERALD MORGAN, FTCD, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2.