Madam, - Tom Cooper (November 22nd), answering Colin Armstrong, (November 16th) says quite rightly that Louis Le Brocquy has the respect and affection of his fellow citizens in abundance, and I am certain Mr Le Brocquy considers this a high honour, as any of us would. Mr Armstrong regretted that no title of honour had been conferred on the artist, but his regret was misplaced.
Mr Le Brocquy has been for many years a Saoi of Aosdána, an honour which he shares with Seamus Heaney, Brian Friel, Anthony Cronin and Benedict Kiely - there are never more than five Saoithe at any one time. Saoithe are elected by the membership of Aosdána in recognition of their extraordinary and sustained achievement as artists, and the honour is conferred by the President.
I cannot imagine that a perfunctory honour bestowed by a British (or any other) monarch would mean nearly as much to Mr Le Brocquy as the respect, affection and admiration of his peers and his fellow citizens. - Yours, etc,
THEO DORGAN (for Aosdána),
The Arts Council,
Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.