Protest at Trinity College Dublin

Sir, – Further to “Trinity College Dublin closed ‘until further notice’ as protest against Israel ties continues” (News, May 4th), the Long Room is not the plaything of these students, who feel themselves entitled to turn on or off access as their mood dictates.

Their antics present a very major security concern for the authorities charged with protecting the Book of Kells, the Garland of Howth and the Book of Durrow, and the other priceless artefacts contained within the equally irreplaceable Long Room.

Although the protesters might say the Long Room and its contents are in no danger, what is to stop the next bunch of protesters escalating their campaign by occupying the building and, deliberately or not, damaging or destroying its contents, and then exculpating themselves by saying worse things are happening in Gaza?

The protesters’ arguments that they are hitting Trinity in the pocket by denying access to the Long Room might hold water if Trinity was an ordinary profit-making company, which it is not.

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Trinity, like most universities, relies on donations, research grants and student fees for their income and, as fees are not a major profit-making venture, raising additional income through charging access to the Long Room and letting rooms out to tourists help Trinity pay its bills. – Yours, etc,

Dr DECLAN HAYES,

Dublin 5.

Sir, – What is the difference between the right-wing library protesters in Cork and the Trinity College Dublin protesters?

Both are denying the public access to books as a means of furthering their own agenda. – Yours, etc,

EUGENE TANNAM,

Firhouse,

Dublin 24.

Sir, – One of the most privileged groups in Ireland has decided to pitch their tents and live comfortably on the luxurious lawns of their elitist university. They think this is a protest?

Yet outside of their opulent and entitled playschool, just around the corner, in the streets and alleys of Dublin, there are hundreds who do not have a choice whether to live or not in tents. The choice of protest is insulting and obscene but shines a light on the mentalities and disconnect of our future elite. This includes mindless mimicry and virtue signalling to impress their peers at home and in North America.

All great fun, and helpful for their future careers in politics, NGOs, journalism and law. – Is mise,

CIARÁN MAC GUILL,

Clichy,

France.