Madam, - It came as no surprise to read that Irish Press plc has announced that after 150 years of publication Thom's Dublin Street Directory is likely to fold (August 25th). Its demise will be caused by the ill-thought- out Electoral (Amendment) Act 2000 which denies access to the "full" register of electors in order to protect public rights.
The idea that the publication of Thom's infringes anyone's rights is preposterous. There has been no recorded public outcry against its publication during its century- and-a-half in print. Quite to the contrary, it provides an invaluable public service.
Leaving aside Thom's obvious uses to solicitors, estate agents, doctors, banks etc, without Thom's the conflagration that consumed Ireland's census and other public records in 1922 would have left Dublin without any measurable 19th century source for house occupancy.
Without delay, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, should request the Minister for Justice to look again at the Act to see how Thom's, one of Dublin's best-loved and widely known institutions, can be saved. - Yours, etc,
STEVEN C. FFEARY-SMYRL, Templemore Avenue, Rathgar, Dublin 6.