The brother of murdered journalist Veronica Guerin has objected to a portrait of her killer, Brian Meehan, at a Dublin art exhibition.
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Portrait of Brian Meehan by Mick O'Dea. Photo: Dara Mac Donaill
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Artist Mick O'Dea painted Meehan in Portlaoise prison last summer when he and other inmates posed for portraits. The picture is part of the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) annual exhibition at the Gallagher Gallery in Ely Place.
Mr Jimmy Guerin, a journalist with his sister's former employer, the Sunday Independent, today told RTÉ radio that he found the exhibiting of the painting offensive.
"I find it offensive that the only person who has been convicted of Veronica's murder first of all finds himself in a position where he can pose for a painting like this and secondly then display it for people to walk by and look at him in this light.
"I think its wrong that this painting can be put on offer and that people of similar mind to himself could buy it and one doesn't then know where it will end up," Mr Guerin said.
He said he did not question the ability of the artist but was unwilling to comment on the merit of the painting.
"That he is displayed in this way and is being discussed and as such is a cause of controversy would cause a sick individual like Meehan a lot of satisfaction. He would see it as another victory and another way to hurt people who were close to Veronica," Mr Guerin added.
His sister, Veronica, was famous for her exposés of the main players in Ireland's criminal underworld. An attempt had been made on her life in 1995 before she was shot dead in 1996 while waiting at traffic lights in west Dublin.
Meehan was convicted of her murder while a second man, Paul Ward, had his conviction for the murder overturned on appeal. Nototrious drug baron John Gilligan was charged with ordering her assassination but was acquitted.
The portrait can be bought for €3,000, although the RHA is considering withdrawing it from sale at a meeting today.