Sir, – In your leader (May 5th), you refer to me by name as having said that I had "nothing but contempt" for critics of Aosdána. This is not an accurate representation of what I said. I did not aim my contempt at critics of Aosdána in general but at journalists (themselves in a privileged position) who conduct a relentless campaign against it, all based on resentment at the awarding of the cnuas to some of its members.
I also decried the total absence of serious discussion – in the public domain – on the other and more significant aspect of Aosdána, namely its place in the core of Irish cultural life. I urged that such a discussion should happen and is very long overdue. You chose not to report this important point, however. You are apparently speaking from the same “greasy till” mentality as your colleagues in your profession. I take exception to what seems to be a veiled suggestion that I am against freedom of speech.
Of course Aosdána is accountable to the people of Ireland, as also is the profession of journalism.
Finally, please consider the following – the people of Ireland voted in Bunreacht na hÉireann, Alt 1, “chun a saol saíochta a chur ar aghaidh de réir dhúchais is gnás a sinsear”.
The present State’s patronage of the arts through Aosdána puts that demand by the people into effect. – Yours, etc,
ALICE HANRATTY,
Henrietta Street,
Dublin 1.