Tom Farrell

Under the ribbed vaults of a Gothic cathedral in Dublin’s city centre, a sculpture serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between Dublin and Rangoon.

“Any nationality, no matter where you’re from, and we want to specify that: no matter where you’re from, we really want everybody to come together,” says Jayne Robinson.

But the damage has been done, says Fianna Fáil Councillor Paul McAulliffe. “I’m worried about the chilling effect this will have on investment,” he says.

“We’re not taking our lead from the church, we’re taking it from advertising. So the secular icons show that,” says artist Paul Mac Cormaic.

Local residents are sceptical, wondering why the old shopping centre can’t be revived instead, and remembering all the false promises they’ve been given in the past.

But a gap in legislation means it’s not as easy to take back the award, as it is to give out, say some councillors.