Sir, - Commenting on Edward Stephenson's letter (August 16th) and his inability to contain his frustration over Minister McDaid's decision to drop the Bord Failte logo, can he visualise my frustration on first viewing the logo. As a graphic designer with international experience, including a number of years involved in corporate identity design and programming in New York, I found the logo not only visually unattractive, but scarcely of the standard of professional design as I have experienced it.
So international travellers have difficulty connecting Ireland and the shamrock. I wonder then, what earthly chance they would have connecting Ireland and a semi-abstract logo which I interpreted as two husky, microcephalic rugby players contending for a diminutive shamrock.
The simplicity of the existing shamrock device is meritorious, and surely that alone is a plus as a concomitant to marketing. But because of its spartan image it may need some modification. Aer Lingus proved the viability of the shamrock, so why downgrade something that is intrinsically part of our tradition and ancient heritage?
I am not politically motivated, nevertheless I agree with Minister McDaid's rationale. - Yours, etc.,
Tom Meagher,
Design Studio, Clonkeen Drive, Dublin 18.