Controversial artist unlikely to face charges
Friday March 27 2009
LEGAL experts last night deemed it highly unlikely the artist behind the prank nude portraits of Taoiseach Brian Cowen would face criminal charges.
As the political controversy surrounding the stunt rumbled on, prosecutors pointed out there seemed to be few legal grounds for pursuing a case.
The paintings of the Taoiseach were put on display in the National Gallery of Ireland and the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) gallery around three weeks ago. In one, Mr Cowen was depicted holding his underpants, and a toilet roll in the other.
One of the paintings appeared in the National Gallery on March 7 last. A spokeswoman said it had been reported to gardai as a matter of routine.
The only potential grounds for consideration would be a possible complaint of criminal damage at the galleries involved, prosecutors highlighted last night.
However, it appears that although the painting was placed on display, it may not have been formally mounted, thereby not causing damage to any part of the building.
Prosecutors last night dismissed the investigation as heavy-handed and without legal basis. The artist behind the prank, Conor Casby (34), originally from Claremorris, Co Mayo, works on the Department of Education's School Completion Programme to encourage young people to remain in school in Dublin's north inner city.
Yesterday, Mr Casby, told the Irish Independent: "I've been advised by Paddy Goodwin, my solicitor, not to comment while there's a criminal investigation going on."
Drogheda-based solicitor, Mr Goodwin, said: "If any charges are preferred against Conor I am looking forward with great relish to defending them."
Apology
The controversy surrounding the stunt escalated following an apology by State broadcaster RTE for a news report on the display.
During yesterday's Order of Business in the Dail, the incident dominated proceedings.
Leading the charge, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny accused RTE of bowing to political pressure and making a "grovelling apology".
The reaction had been "absolutely over the top", he added.
"The crime involved here apparently is putting a nail in a wall on which to hang a picture," said Mr Kenny.
- Louise Hogan and Dearbhail McDonald
