Another member of the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art has stepped down, bringing to five the number of resignations in two weeks.
Artist Felim Egan offered his resignation to the Minister for Arts, Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on Wednesday. It was accepted by Ms de Valera yesterday.
Speaking at the launch of a book celebrating the first 10 years of the museum last night, Ms de Valera described recent events as "traumatic" for the organisation. "I'm confident that the appointment of Eoin McGonigal SC as chairman, and of the people I will be appointing to fill the other vacancies, will result in a board that can put the recent past behind them and move the Irish Museum of Modern Art forward with confidence into the future."
Asked for her response to Mr Egan's resignation, Ms de Valera said: "I was somewhat surprised. I spoke to the members of the board as a courtesy to tell them of the appointment of Mr McGonigal and he did not indicate his intention then."
Asked about the allegations of interference in the workings of the board, she told The Irish Times: "I don't understand that. The whole question of the director is a matter for the board and I would not interfere. I never indicated a view formally or informally. I don't know where that's coming from."
The spate of resignations was sparked off by those of Mr Niall Crowley and Ms Terry Prone. They gave as their reason concern over the procedures used in deciding to offer the position of director to Dr Brian Kennedy, director of the National Gallery of Australia.
Amid the ensuing controversy he declined the offer and the chairman of the board, Ms Marie Donnelly, resigned. This was followed by the resignation of Ms Fiona O'Malley last week.
Also last week, the Minister announced the appointment of Mr McGonigal as the new chairman of the board.
In his letter of resignation, which expressed disappointment at the failure to undo the damage done to Dr Kennedy by the controversy, Mr Egan said: "Recent events surrounding that appointment have left me disappointed and uneasy.
"My continuing efforts to uphold the democratic process have been frustrated by a general lack of will and inaction. I have also become increasingly concerned that outside pressures may have been brought to bear on the internal workings of the board."