The Sunday Independent

A leading conservationist has launched a vitriolic attack on U2 rock stars Bono and The Edge accusing them of a "fetish for glamour" in what he calls the "bastardisation" of their landmark Dublin property the Clarence Hotel. "Unfortunately for its owners, the Clarence Hotel is not a pair of sunglasses or a hat," says Michael Smith, the former head of An Taisce, objecting to their plans to re-develop the iconic Dublin hotel and referring to their recent legal battles with stylist Lola Cashman. "The common good is not served by allowing the richest people in Ireland to build with the benefit of tax incentives, only to demolish when they get bored," says Smith, who, along with barrister Colm Mac Eochaidh, was responsible for launching the Flood (Mahon) Tribunal and who lives across the river Liffey from the U2 hotel. Mr Smith said he was making the objection as a "neighbour and frequenter" of the hotel.