Madam, - Given that we ought to have grown accustomed by now to the ease with which our history can be binned in this country, your report concerning the uncertain future of 16 Moore Street, takes some beating (The Irish Times, April 19th). There we read that a developer, Mr Joe O'Reilly, disputes both the historical and architectural significance of the house. Well he would, wouldn't he?
What is surprising, to put it mildly, is the fact that he is supported in his submission by an historian, Prof Charles Townsend, who thinks the evidence "fragmentary and contradictory". This surely prompts the question: If the professor can produce evidence that the surrender took place elsewhere then why not preserve that building as well? As an historian he is hardly suggesting that since we are not sure we can send in the demolition men and get on with "progress". A solution to this dreadful dilemma of historical uncertainty? Preserve the entire street, I say!
As a relative of one of the leaders I do not consider the commemoration of their retreat and surrender "morbid or martyrological". On the contrary, the dilapidated state of 16 Moore Street and the continuing neglect of that entire historical area is, in my opinion, a national disgrace. - Yours, etc,
JAMES CONNOLLY HERON, Oxford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.