Madam, - The more I read about the vandalising of the historic and prehistoric context of Tara, the more I despair. How is it possible that, in the 21st century, those we elect can pay such scant regard to the iconic heart of their heritage?
When, from 1967 to 1974, I had the privilege of writing as The Irish Times archaeological correspondent, one of the joys was that I could pay credit to the exemplary attitude of a government which so clearly valued its heritage and, poor though Ireland then was, generously backed the archaeologists who sought to cherish it.
A prime example was the support it gave to the excavations at Knowth. Over the past 40 years, this has become the most sustained, meticulous archaeological research project, probably in the world and certainly in Europe, with its exemplary record of publications.
Intelligent, educated, or even merely civilised politicians would have scheduled the immediate geographical area of Tara as a World Heritage Site and sponsored a 50-year programme of carefully planned excavation, conservation and publication. Instead, ignorance and obstinacy have already encouraged the destruction of invaluable material evidence, while sheer greed, exploiting every opportunity for commercial "ribbon development", lays waste the all-important archaeological context.
Such shameful political idiocy is matched only by a British government cultural (!) minister whose woeful ignorance spurred the commendation of metal detectorists who (unlike those in Ireland) are allowed unlicensed and virtually unlimited access in England.
Land of saints and sinners, or barbarians and buffoons? - Yours, etc,
IAN M BLAKE,
Melvaig, Gairloch,
Wester Ross,
Scotland.
Madam, - The magnificent exhibition "The Fantastic in Irish Art" runs at the National Gallery of Ireland until August 12th. It features parts of the illuminated manuscript Leabhar na hAiséirighe (Book of the Resurrection) by the artist-scribe Art O'Murnaghan.
One of the pages on display depicts the roots and branches of "Crann na Beatha" (the Tree of Life) growing around Tara. This universal symbol links the past, present and future and represents the well-being and integrity of a people. The ongoing attack on the depicted tree in the Tara-Skryne valley is an act of deep betrayal by all those responsible. - Is mise,
ANTHONY QUINN,
Sandycove,
Co Dublin.