Madam, – Tony MacMahon, who claims that erstwhile De Dannan member Alec Finn is a second-rate accompanist, (Home News, August 6th, quoting from Liveline) is long known for expressing trenchant views on traditional music. In this case I suspect he is in a minority of one, since Alec Finn is a sublimely tasteful, understated musician about whom I have never previously heard anybody express less than awed admiration for his bouzouki backing.
To rationalise MacMahon’s criticism, I can only conclude that he is having a go at accompanists in general, since if Alec Finn is second rate, then mathematically speaking, the collection of first- rate accompanists forms an empty set! – Yours, etc,