Sir, - In his review of the Construction of Heritage by David. Brett (July 27th), your reviewer quotes an alleged incident when I was employed as manager of North America, Northern Ireland Tourist Board. It would appear that your reviewer suffers from memory lapse, or is more interested in revisionist history.
I left New York in 1982 and had already established the Greater Glasgow Tourist Board in August 1983. I was not employed by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in 1985, as he stated. The film From Here to the White House was made in 1981 under the aegis of your reviewer who, at the time, was director of public relations, Northern Ireland Tourist Board; a fact he should have been prepared to share with your readers.
I had invited a group of journalists from the Society of American. Travel Writers to visit Northern Ireland. During their visit, they were invited to a private showing of a rough cut of the film. They unanimously agreed that they felt the script to be crude and lacking in sensitivity. I considered the views of a group of highly respected American journalists a reliable barometer for American public opinion.
Contrary to your reviewer's assertion, there was no disagreement with the Board of NITB nor any "incomprehension" or "incredulity" at my attitude. The script was modified, and I used the film - willingly and extensively when promoting Northern Ireland throughout the United States. I have, on occasions since, advocated the establishment of a Scotch Irish heritage centre in Scotland, as I believe there is a need to complete the links between the permanent centres in Charlottesville, Virginia; Camphill, Co Tyrone and Scotland.
On the broader issue of heritage tourism, I believe places are in the business of marketing the difference which is their history, heritage and culture. Ireland's story, rich in diversity and global in its influence, deserves to be articulated in all its greatness without resorting to the strident voice of sectarianism. - Yours, etc.,
Eddie Friel Associates, Marketing & Tourism
Consultants,
24 Glasgow Road, Blanefield G63 9BP, Scotland.