CIAN DENIHAN,
Madam, - I am surprised that your Editorial of January 22nd concerning the erection of Dublin's Spire should have referred in the most pejorative terms to Dubliners who demonstrated their approval at the demolition of the remnants of Nelson's Pillar 37 years ago. For many people, the removal of Nelson's Pillar represented the banishment of an intrusive and ugly monument to the Republic's colonial past.
I can readily accept that the unilateral action of a few disaffected people in blowing up the monument was not a democratic act. However, to condemn those demonstrating their approval is offensive to their republican perspective.
I doubt that the populace of nations such as France, the United States or England would have tolerated the presence of a dominant symbol of a former occupying power.
The Spire represents a confident, optimistic and progressive Ireland. It is regrettable that The Irish Times should have chosen to revive divisions in marking the birth of Dublin's new focal point. - Yours, etc.,
CIAN DENIHAN,
Cloister Close,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
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Madam, - Any chance we could send back the Spire of Dublin and keep the crane? It's much more interesting. - Yours, etc.,
PATRICIA DALY,
Home Farm Road,
Dublin 9.
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Madam, - Not impressed! In fact, uninspired. - Yours, etc.,
ANN MARTIN,
Dublin 3.