I am writing to express my anger at the decision to close Cork Opera House for three months this summer. Cork Opera House is one of the greatest cultural institutions of this city and its closure is an appalling scenario for our city, our tourism and our general well-being. Remember, we were European capital of culture in 2005.

While accepting that we are in a recession it's hard to ignore the fact that while our cultural institutions close, the two government parties will always find the money to prop up private banks. Shame.

Any local politician who ignores this should never get a vote in Cork again.

Jim O Mahony,

Ardri,

Blackrock Road,

Cork