The website established by the Labour Party to receive submissions on a new plaque for O’Connell Bridge, www.oconnellbridge.net, has exceeded 25,000 hits since it was launched recently.

Labour Deputy for Dublin South East, Ruairí Quinn TD told ‘NewsFour’ that submissions have been coming in to the website and via email at a huge rate. “A great variety is included. We currently have about 100 ideas posted up on www.oconnellbridge.net, and have received several hundred more submissions by email to submissions@oconnellbridge.net.

“There has been some support for keeping the Fr. Noise plaque [shown left] in place as a cultural and humorous oddity. Other suggestions garnering large amounts of support include a plaque in memory of those killed during the 1913 Lockout and a dedication to Mná na h?ireann.”

Local labour Councillor, Kevin Humphreys, who was first heard on RTE with the suggestion to replace the plaque, tells us that currently Paddy Power have Gay Byrne and Maureen Potter as the 6/1 joint favourites.

Time will tell how the Arts Committee of the City Council reacts when it comes before them shortly. In the meantime if ‘NewsFour’ readers have any ideas, send them to submissions@oconnellbridge.net