Madam, - Fintan O'Toole (Opinion, September 7th) argues that the State, while not responsible for the Abbey Theatre's problems, "certainly contributed to them by the consistent under-funding of the institution".
Well, our Western Writers' Centre in Galway may be no "national treasure", but it is the only such centre west of the Shannon and the Arts Council has refused it grant aid four times in a row since it opened operations two years ago, rejecting appeals twice. (The last application, readers might be amused to know, was for the mere purchase of a computer. They've become quite inexpensive these days.)
Does the Council not want a writers' centre for the West of Ireland? Why not? Thoor Ballylee and Coole Park may possibly be considered national treasures, yet they are devoid of any cultural resonance these days, being mere pit-stops for tourist buses. Something should be done immediately to celebrate their obvious literary associations - not to mention Abbey Theatre associations - by making them centres of living literary practice where contemporary writers work, give readings and workshops, and visitors can feel that there is a sense of cultural continuity present.
Perhaps our Western Writers' Centre could help. Any other country in the world, I'd guess, would support the reinvigorating of similar points of cultural reference. When was the last time John O'Donoghue came out west to look at cultural infrastructue? Or the lack of it? - Yours. etc.,
FRED JOHNSTON,
Circular Road,
Galway.