While the Dublin portal might have brought “new meaning to having the craic”, is the livestream to New York gone forever?
The virtual connection between Talbot Street and the Flatiron District in New York remains on the minds of many as its future is put into question.
The portal was closed on May 14th, with the possibility of it reopening once “technical solutions” are made to prevent “inappropriate” behaviour.
These changes could include a slight delay on the livestream to censor content or attempts to censor obscene content live.
Writer Barbara Scully, however, pointed out the portal is “such a great snapshot as to who we are as a people”.
“Number one, we want everyone to like us, we don’t want to let ourselves down,” she told The Anton Savage Show.
“But the other thing is I think we are a nation of, if there’s a rule, we go the other way.
“We're a nation of messers.
“There’s been a huge bloody overreaction to the whole thing, like a few bottoms and a few boobs.
“I think it’s just the most wonderful snapshot of who we are as a people - it brings a whole new meaning to having the craic.”
Anton said the portal was clearly introduced as an ‘art installation’.
“My understating about art is that it’s meant to get people to engage with it and it’s meant to stimulate debate,” he said.
“By God, the portal achieved both those things.”
Portal of two-way livestream between Dublin and New York, 14/05/2024. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ieIrish Daily Mail Political Editor Craig Hughes agreed the portal has provided a lot of amusement, particularly when political leaders are asked questions about it.
“Seeing their reactions to an only fans model bearing their chest in front of it or some other colourful scenes on this side of the Atlantic,” he said.
Some Lunchtime Live listeners pointed out that putting the portal on North Earl Street, just off Talbot Street is “asking for trouble”.
One man suggested putting the installation on the south side of the city, where there is a stronger Garda presence.
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