Declan McGonagle, Director of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) has decided to quit his Directorship of the museum. This follows on from recent clashes with the chairwoman of the board, Marie Donnelly. The row began in November 2000 when Donnelly, told the director that his job was being advertised. McGonagle has been the director of the museum since it opened in 1991, and lives in a house in the grounds with his family.
In a statement McGonagle said. "Now that the Board of the Museum has agreed to offer me a new contract, to which, as I have been arguing, I am entitled, I have considered my position in these circumstances. I have decided my future lies elsewhere and I will therefore leave the Irish Museum of Modern Art. I am now discussing a severance package with the mediator. I wish the Museum every success and look forward to it achieving its full potential as an artistically excellent and inclusive public institution."
A spokesperson for the Department of the Arts has said Minister Sile de Valera would not be commenting on Declan McGonagle's decision to step down as Director of IMMA. Earlier, the Director of the National Museum, Dr Pat Wallace, said the development had serious implications for many directors of Irish arts institutions. He called on Minister de Valera to examine the role of Chair for arts organisations. However, a spokesperson for the Minister's department said it was a matter for the board of the IMMA.
