Sir, - I refer to Mr Felim Egan's letter about the Directorship of IMMA (December 5th). A member of our union was the staff member on the interview panel for the director's post and the union wishes to answer the comments made in the above letter, insofar as they refer to her.
The facts are that, as far as the staff member of the interview panel is concerned, the first interview looked at three candidates and selected one for further consideration. At the second interview, the majority of the panel decided to leave his candidacy on the table and to widen the search. So, in effect, no decision had been taken at that stage.
As regards the specific allegations made in Mr Egan's letter, "the proper and private workings of the board" were not leaked to the media by the staff representative on the interview panel. The management team at the Irish Museum of Modern Art have at all times operated professionally and honoured correct procedures throughout this process.
It is improper to suggest that any member of this union indulged in any "precipitate and self-interested actions" - indeed, far from self-interested action, our member placed herself in a most vulnerable position by opposing the former chairman in regard to the selection process. This was done, she believed, in the interests of the museum and its future.
The union, therefore, rejects and denies the allegations made insofar as they refer to our member on the interview panel and we believe an apology is due to her. - Yours, etc.,
T. McKevitt, Deputy General Secretary, Public Service Executive Union, Merrion Square, Dublin 2.