Sir, - On behalf of A Journey of Reconciliation Trust, I ask Kevin Myers to desist from his continual criticism of the Round Tower and Peace Park at Mesen, Flanders. For one who has had an almost professional interest in the first World War, those of us who are involved with A Journey of Reconciliation Trust fail to understand Mr Myers's attitude to the entire project.
The realisation of this project has been a fantastic success. The trust built a monument, and succeeded in having the three heads of state attend the inauguration ceremony on the 80th anniversary of the Armistice. Those from the entire island of Ireland who served in the Great War were, at long last, fittingly honoured and commemorated. This was achieved by a very small group, who accomplished more in 18 months than the professional historians (including Mr Myers) had achieved over the previous 80 years.
The planting and general landscape design failed during the winter of 1998/99, owing to underground conditions that were beyond the knowledge of the designers and local consultants. Since spring 1999, the entire site has been grassed, pending the completion of a revised landscaped design. Unfortunately, some of the funding that was secured did not materialise, with the result that there is still a considerable debt owed to the building contractor. When the debt is cleared, the landscaping project can be commenced.
Let me assure your readers that the trust fully appreciates the representative nature of the park as a symbol of Ireland, with the onus that puts on the trust to endure that a favourable impression is created. Therefore arrangements were made with local individuals and the town council to have the grass cut on a regular basis. I do not know when Mr Myers last visited Messines, but the impression he created in his article is incorrect.
It is common knowledge that there have been serious difficulties, involving two senior members, which has resulted in stasis and stagnation within the trust. This has also caused the failure to implement a new landscape design this year. The next meeting of the trust will address this core problem, and enable the landscape issue to be resolved.
On February 19th 1998, at his home, in my capacity as a trustee of the organisation, I invited Mr Myers to become formally involved with the project and to assist with publicity. Mr Myers was scathing in his remarks concerning some of the individuals associated with the trust, and said that he did not believe that the project would be realised. Since then, he has consistently criticised the efforts of A Journey of Reconciliation Trust in its attempt to achieve the first object of the trust deed, "to commemorate all people from the island of Ireland who served, fought and died during the first World War".
I also wish to assure your readers that, despite Mr Myers's criticism, the trust will continue to develop the park as a vehicle to promote peace and reconciliation on the entire island. Genuine, encouraging, and informed criticism is always welcome. Carping and vitriolic begrudgery, a national characteristic, should be discouraged, especially within your [our?] paper. - Yours, etc.,
John C. O'Grady, Convenor of the Management Committee, A Journey of Reconciliation Trust, Lower O'Connell Street, Dublin 1.