Madam, – It amazes me that Ross Higgins (May 14th) wants Oscar Wilde to be honoured in place of Archbishop Dermot Ryan. Many of those who have pushed this idea are perfectly aware of Wilde’s intense sexual involvement with boy prostitutes as young as 14; his companion Douglas hunted 12-year-olds. That behaviour was at least as outrageous as what Archbishop Ryan is accused of not having done enough to prevent.
Those who pushed for the renaming of Merrion Square drooled sentimentally over Wilde, saying they were sure he’d never be coercive or ungentlemanly to the boys in question (despite the fact that Wilde later condemned his own behaviour in the strongest terms).
This is a clear double standard based on kneejerk anticlericalism, and it tells us a lot about how deep our thinking on these problems is.
Should Dublin be ashamed of Wilde? All things considered, probably not. The same holds for Archbishop Ryan. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Might I join Ross Higgins (May 14th) in expressing dismay over the recommendation of Dublin South East councillors that Archbishop Ryan Park be renamed Merrion Square Park rather than Oscar Wilde Gardens.
I, and the vast majority of respondents to the City Council’s request for suggestions, believe the square’s most famous resident, and one of Dublin’s most celebrated sons, should be commemorated by naming the park in his honour.
These councillors have ignored the wishes of an overwhelming majority and appear to want to forget Wilde, rather than celebrate him.
Now many Dubliners are adding their names – at a rate of over 100 a day – to a petition calling on the City Council to respect their wishes and honour Wilde in this fitting manner (www.petitiononline.com/wildeprk/petition.html).
I hope the council will respect the wishes of their constituents and acknowledge the great achievements of this accomplished Dubliner. – Yours, etc,