A NAME FOR THE SPIKE

JAMES MURPHY,

JAMES MURPHY,

Madam, - In the absence of a name with some cultural or historical meaning for "The Spire of Dublin" it is sad though inevitable to see that it is being treated with derision. Even The Irish Times seems to have joined the philistines with your heading, "A name for the Spike" for letters on this subject.

One might have thought that you might campaign for a proper name for the Spire which is going to be our tallest monument by far in the very centre of the capital city.

It seems to me that of all the serious suggestions you have printed so far, the one that perhaps most deserves consideration is the Brian Ború Spire.

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Calling it after Brian Ború would remind us of a great figure from Ireland's Celtic/Gaelic past who was high king of Ireland one thousand years ago. The monument, in its physical appearance, would symbolise Ireland's modern future (one hopes) and, in its name, would recall a historic past. - Yours, etc.,

JAMES MURPHY, Kilcock, Co Kildare.

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Madam, - "The Pointless Point".- Yours, etc.,

EDWARD HANLON, llistrin, Letterkenny, Co.Donegal.

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Madam, - "Nelson's Revenge?" or, given its relative proximity to Liberty Hall, "The Taper near the 'Scraper?" - Yours, etc.,

GERARD LEE, St Agnes Park, Crumlin, Dublin 8.

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Madam, - "The Tip" would be the most appropriate name for the spike in O'Connell Street. - Yours etc.,

PATRICK ROONEY, Cornelscourt Hill, Carrickmines, Dublin 18.