Gabriel Byrne says Irish have a ‘right to feel betrayed’

Sombre and level-headed reflections on stepmother Erin. I agree with Gabriel that art has the power to heal, move, arouse and, eventually, change. Nevertheless, there has been too much of a tendency in the British Isles generally to regard it (particularly theatre) as "entertainment." How far it will move the Irish today to bring about real, meaningful change remains to be seen. Plus ca change . . .

Yes, cillowen, yet they are waking.

Do the Irish people really have a right to feel 'betrayed' by what has happened in Ireland? I'm not so sure that they do. The vast majority knew perfectly well what was happening-the Irish people being more politically aware than most Europeans, certainly more than the Brits-it was all spend-spend and to hell with tomorrow-the result was inevitable-everyone young and old alike were caught up in the spending spree.No good feeling sore now folks-the party is over!-Get on with rebuilding ireland.

were art worth anything its proponants should have been educating the masses thru all manner of artistic channels. They however were sleeping and unable to dream.

Oh, the sublimative nature of Art is essential to our pursuit of happiness. Bring it on! Thank-you, Mr. Byrne.

Gabriel's comment, while partially valid, lacks depth. When you reach 20 and pass thirty, there is such a thing as personal responsibility. The use of alcohol and drugs and the senseless consumerism among this group evokes no sympathy and litle empathy. Keep promoting Irish art, of all forms; it is a strength.

Outstanding actor.

Byrne good, Bono worthless.

He is a credit to Ireland. He has never forgotten where he is from. He is a great actor and a loyal Irishman.

It's wonderful to see Irish artists deciding among themselves to bring their work to the people. At a time when, in the USA, traditional patrons of the arts (the wealthy, the State, the Catholic Church) have not only withdrawn support but often actively try to censor artists, it is heartening to see this development. There's opposition here now to letting students read Mark Twain or allowing satire on religions' treatment of gays a place in art galleries. What would Dante Alighieri say, whose 14th century "Inferno" tells the stories of a number of popes Dante saw in Hell? As Gabriel Byrne points out, the most important lesson we need from art now is a reminder of our ancient freedoms, especially the freedom to criticize the present and to envision a better future. Thank you, Mr. Byrne.