He is Minister for the Arts, and I hope the Taoiseach keeps this position in the Cabinet . It has been suggested that some cabinet positions should change in the upcoming reshuffle, but I think it is essential that the arts is retained as part of a senior ministerial portfolio.
Before Christmas I met with representatives of the Dublin Central Arts Workers, a lobbying group set up as part of the National Campaign for the Arts. Their campaign was centered on making sure that the December Budget did not make drastic cuts to arts. Although they were in many ways successful (and should be congratulated) there have recently been serious cuts in spending by the Arts Council. Cutting the arts is short sighted, as history has shown that spending in the sector creates jobs, training and stimulates the economy.
Heritage and tourism benefit from arts spending, as does the general environment.
I hope the Taoiseach realises that keeping a Minsiter for the Arts at Cabinet is important, and proper funding for the arts, especially small and community based projects, is an essential part of any plan for economic recovery. The arts, including theatre and film, should play a central role in commemorations of events like the 1913 Lockout and the 1916 Rising.
Martin Cullen is the latest member of "Bertie's Team" to resign. Maybe they don't realise that we don't want them to go one by one. They should all resign and have an election. If the government think they have a mandate for their policies, they should not be afraid to face the people.
