A chara, - I am amused by the manner in which my friends Blathnaid O Bradaigh and Sean O Donagain evade (September 6th) the only fact that I asserted (August 17th) and then go off to recall their applications to Dublin Corporation in 1978/79. I note, incidentally, that they did not deign to appeal the Corporation's decision to An Bord Pleanala, then in its vibrant youth.
I am glad the central historical fact which I asserted has not been challenged by anybody: that the commemoration committee's application to government for £70,000 to erect the Pearse memorial was approved by the then Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, subject to one simple condition (that the IRA be not represented at the unveiling ceremony), but rejected by the majority of the commemoration committee. - Is mise,
Donall O Morain, An Charraig Dhubh, Co Bhaile Atha Cliath.