Moll-numents can rub people up the wrong way

THE row over an ad-hoc statue of St Patrick erected at the Temple Bar pub keeps with the long running tradition of controversies around Irish monuments and works of street art.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

POINTS OF VIEW The Dublin to New York Portal on North Earl Street

From Nelson's Pillar being blown asunder in 1966, to the magnificent Puca sculpture denounced as “sinister” on the pulpit as the whole town said no and a not-so-similar bronze statue of Terry Wogan, here are some of the controversies to hit Irish landmarks over the years.

The Dublin to New York Portal on North Earl Street became infamous as soon as it was unveiled.

But it found itself at the centre of an international diplomatic spat when punters started flashing their bums and boobs at each other, while one Dubliner mocked the 9/11 horrors.

It was temporarily closed until the council came up with the plan to shut it off during peak antisocial hours.

The saga of tourists groping Molly Malone's breasts at her statue on Andrew Street in Dublin is still raging. City chiefs sparked a “consent” debate when they hit out at visitors who give the bronze mammaries a rub for good luck and for a selfie opportunity.

Safeguards including bouncers, a higher plinth and flower beds have all been mooted to keep the gropers at bay.