Sir, - The revelation of the nature of the orchestrated campaign against the Oireachtas Committee Report on Irish Traditional Music makes interesting reading. We are told that the campaign was launched at an event which was grant-aided by the State. The conclusion, therefore, must be that State-funded bodies were, in effect, seeking to subvert the work of the Oireachtas.
What is all the hullabaloo about? Why are the campaign instigators so intent on discrediting Senator O Murchu's very laudable work? His success in attracting allparty support for the traditional arts is quite an achievement. Why not rejoice in this success?
Senator O Murchu, since his election to the Seanad, has made his presence felt. He negotiated the landmark agreement with IMRO, acknowledging the special status of Irish traditional music in the context of copyright legislation. With Dr John O'Connor, he spearheaded the new traditional music examination network. His work at national and international levels, for which he was awarded the Dublin Civic Honour Award, is well known.
Is the campaign the old story of knock rather than build? It is time to end this negative posturing before all who are interested in Irish music are tarred with the brush of begrudgery? - Yours, etc.
Eamonn O'Toole, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.