Sir, - As founding president of the Musgrave Kinley Outsider Trust I am, like my fellow trustees, especially indebted to the imagination and practical help of Declan McGonagle, the director of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. I am very shocked to hear of the decision of the chairperson of the board about his future.
It is not only the long-term loan of our valuable collection we are concerned about, but there are many other bodies and private individuals, who, due to Declan's mental vigour, inspired administration and personal warmth, have been encouraged to give and lend, both valuable collections and individual works. I feel with his departure, a great deal of local and international goodwill would evaporate and the walls become much emptier.
If there is a good reason for this seemingly arbitrary dismissal, I would be very interested to hear it. I, and many others, feel it is a serious mistake and a great injustice. - Yours, etc.,
George Melly, Frithville Gardens, London W12 7JQ.