Spire points to new face of Ireland

THE irony of Ireland missing its major Millennium salute

But while attempts to complete construction of Dublin’s 120-metre Spire continued late last night, it seems the public is already warming to O’Connell Street’s new arrival.

Variously dubbed the Spike in the Dyke, the Stiletto in the Ghetto, the Spire in the Mire and the Metro-pole, it has now become the Nail in the Gale.

Towering seven times higher than the GPO, like a

futuristic science fiction rocket, it tapers from three metres at the base to a six-inch tip.

Widely criticised as a waste of 4.6 million, there is no doubt this money could have been devoted to more needy causes.

However, there are encouraging signs it will replace the former Nelson’s Pillar as a new focal point for the city.

As the highest structure in the country, the Spire

symbolises the face of a changing Ireland and, as such, deserves to be celebrated.