Sir, - The Roman Emperor Vespasian began the construction of the Colosseum in Rome in 70 AD. To fund it, he used booty from the war in Judea. The Colosseum was built on the site of the artificial lake of Nero's Domus Aurea (Golden House), in the centre of Rome. The Domus Aurea, with its surrounding lake and parklands, was hugely unpopular with the citizens.
When the Colosseum was completed, it was inaugurated under the Emperor Titus, who granted the people of Rome 100 days of free entertainment. Ancient literature suggests that there was great public and political support for the project.
Perhaps our own Emperor Bertus could learn from this. To fund the Stadium Berti he could use funds seized from drug dealers, tax-evaders and crooked politicians. He could build it on an unpopular site, say John Gilligan's estate, or the concrete bunkers behind Wood Quay. To galvanise public support the Taoiseach could call in his friends to provide 100 days of free entertainment. Manchester United, the Dublin GAA football team, U2 and Westlife (who owe the government a few favours for not cancelling their recent concerts amid the foot-and-mouth crisis) could all provide their services for the greater good. - Yours, etc.,
T.D. Plewman, Trinity College, Dublin 2.