On the record

THE term ‘national monument’ has an inherent status and dignity.

It echoes the phrase ‘national pride’, which is often used in direct relation to these monuments because of the cultural and historical significance they hold for a country.

Given the discovery of a national monument in the pathway of the M3 motorway at Tara, it will be interesting to see if Environment Minister Dick Roche will give order this important find to be ‘preserved by record’ — ie, noted down, photographed, parts put in storage, then the remainder bulldozed through and cemented over.

If this proves to be the case, on a symbolic level, what a monument to the nation that will show itself to be.

Fionnuala Devlin

Planufer 92

10967 Berlin

Germany