LIMERICK theatre producer Richie Ryan has called for the immediate resignation of City Manager Conn Murray, Committee Chairman Pat Cox and Chief Executive Patricia Ryan from the board of Limerick City of Culture 2014.
Mr Ryan of CentreStage Theatre School was commenting on Ms Ryan’s controversial appointment as chief executive of Limerick City of Culture, without the job being advertised. Ms Ryan, a former adviser to former European Parliament President, Pat Cox, was appointed on Mr Murray’s recommendation.
According to Richie Ryan, the appointment highlights the ineptitude, arrogance and unacceptable manner in which the City of Culture team is treating many Limerick artists. He described the situation as “embarrassing” and said it highlights the total disregard for public funding.
He said he has lost confidence in Conn Murray, Pat Cox and Patricia Ryan to steer Limerick City of Culture 2014 with any meaningful transparency or accountability at this time.
“I call for their immediate resignation from the executive board. I am sure that this situation would not be tolerated in any other major city in Ireland.”
Cllr Tom Shortt, who represented Limerick City Council on the board of the Belltable Theatre for four years, has also said that Patricia Ryan, “must step down now”.
He claims Ms Ryan is without any expertise or experience in the demanding world of arts management.
“This has gripped the public imagination in Limerick and people are shocked by the arrogance of it.
“This is a deeply flawed appointment. For the success and the integrity of the City of Culture project, Ms Ryan must step down. The position must be advertised immediately and a chief executive must be properly recruited,” he declared.
