Wellywood: Irish call for Michael Fowler apology

Monday, 23 May 2011

There are calls for an apology from Sir Michael Fowler following his inflammatory comments about opponents to the Wellywood sign likely being dumb, humourless and Irish.

Dozens of Stuff readers have criticised Sir Michael for his comments, which have been labelled racist, irrelevant and insensitive.

The architect wrote in support of the sign, saying since its conception, 'I've believed it to be clever, witty and relevant and its critics dumb, humourless, totally irrelevant and probably Irish'.

Eugene Wehrly, an Irishman who has lived in New Zealand since 2002, said he normally had a sense of humour but was livid about the comments written by Sir Michael in an open letter to The Dominion Post today in support of the Wellington Airport sign.

'It just makes me angry. It's actually a pretty racist comment.'

He said such anti-Irish sentiment was completely irrelevant to the Wellywood sign debate and an insult to Irish people.

'I actually want him to print an apology in the paper.'

Michael McCormack wrote that he could not believe that Sir Michael had said opposition to the sign was 'probably Irish'.

'I'm Irish and, frankly, that comment is about the dumbest I have ever read. It's appallingly unintelligent. Just like the airport sign'

There were more than 350 comments relating to the story on Stuff today with the majority taking offence to Sir Michael's comments.

Sir Michael was unavailable for comment this afternoon.