THE Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht has defended the controversial design of an eight foot bronze sculpture of St Patrick which is to be erected at the Hill of Tara, Co Meath.
The sculpture, which is to replace the traditional statue of the saint which had deteriorated and was removed some years ago, has met strong local opposition. Some members of the community feel the work is not appropriate for the site and they would prefer another more traditional statue.
Mr Higgins said he and his officials had gone to "exceptional lengths" to accommodate the widespread views expressed. In an effort to resolve the dispute his Department had offered to pay for the sculpture. He believed the sculpture was "an appropriate, modem depiction of our patron saint and a fitting acknowledgement of the saint's association with Tara".
The sculpture, by Annette Hennessy of Belfast, was recommended by a selection committee composed of representatives of the Arts Council, the Association of Artists of Ireland, the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, the Office of Public Works and the local community.
Ms Hennessy has admitted that her sculpture was not a traditional image of St Patrick, "but speaks of the myth and magic associated" with the many folk legends which have come down to us".
It depicted a man who fought druids with fire, who was said to have been untouched by rain, who could light up the dark with his fingers, and changed himself and his followers into deer to escape from the High King Laoghaire, she said.
"Therefore this figure is not wearing medieval robes, mitre, or carrying a crozier topped with a shamrock. Rather, he is dressed in a knee-length tunic, and his head is shaven, as it is said was the custom of the early Christians in order to differentiate themselves, from the pagans. His staff is, topped with a deer's antler. This refers to his changing into a deer, to escape from the druids."
It was only fitting, she said, that a statue to commemorate St Patrick should refer, not only to the Christian tradition which had shaped Ireland today, but also acknowledge pagan Celtic history.