Flowers' Liamo releases 'Save Tara' song in M-way protest
HOTHOUSE Flowers frontman Liam O Maonlai has released a protest song to rally opposition to the controversial M3 motorway route around the Hill of Tara.
The song, entitled 'Tara's Eye: (Money Mad Mile)' exhorts listeners to "stop the work on the money mad mile". It can be downloaded free from the internet.
O Maonlai, a long-time champion of Irish language and culture, criticises construction clones and politicians, using lyrics penned by Steve Cooney.
The protest ballad was released yesterday at a press briefing by pressure group TaraWatch.
Tarawatch spokesman Vincent Salafia said the song would boost efforts to pressurise Environment Minister John Gormley to re-route the road.
Mr Gormley continues to insist that he has no legal powers to reverse decisions taken by his predecessor Fianna Fail's Dick Roche.
Mr Salafia said Tarawatch campaigners were "humbled by this incredibly inspiring song, by one of Ireland's greatest modern bards". In the song, Mr O Maonlai decries the "cynical, clinical clones of construction" who "seem to think we're some kind of clowns". He also urges campaigners not to back down "against the plan of the damned" behind the road through the historic valley.
There are plans to release higher quality recordings on iTunes to raise money for the campaign.
GRAINNE CUNNINGHAM
