Sir, - John Banville seems to be strangely mistaken about the nature and purposes of Aosdβna. It is not solely, or even primarily, a method of supporting what he refers to as "hungry" people who need the cnuas. In fact only about half of the membership of Aosdana at any given time feel that they need to avail of the cnuas; and not by any means all of those elected in any given time do so either.
Fortunately, over the years other people of equal eminence seem to have had a better understanding of what Aosdβna was and what membership implied. The first published list of members began with the name of Samuel Beckett, who remained a member until his death and accepted the further honour of being a Saoi.
I need not cite other names from the present, but there are many in the same financial situation as John Banville who understand that membership is an honour, bestowed by one's fellow artists and by one's country. The existence of such a body is also a confirmation by the community that it regards art as important and the artist as someone whose activity enriches its life. When Aosdβna came into existence another view was held of art and artists. The fact that that view has since changed is no small measure of Aosdβna's success.
As well as being surprised by John Banville's misunderstanding of these matters I must confess that I am somewhat puzzled by his crusading zeal. Twice in the interview he calls on others to follow his example. I think, however, that most members who enjoy, like him, a degree of financial success understand that membership is also an expression of identity of interest with others who have made the same difficult and often dangerous vocational choice as they have themselves but may not have the same good fortune. And understand too, of course, that it is a choice which monetary, or even critical success, does little to validate. - Yours, etc.,
Anthony Cronin, Chairman, Aosdana, Oakley Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.