Archbishop praises immigrant input

THE NEW Ireland being created must not be "a superficial image-making stunt, but one that endures and of which we will be proud…

THE NEW Ireland being created must not be "a superficial image-making stunt, but one that endures and of which we will be proud", the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, has said.

Speaking at the fourth annual Festival of Peoples' Epiphany Day Mass in Dublin's Pro-Cathedral last night, the archbishop said: "The mosaic of a new Ireland which we are challenged to create must be one where the dignity of each person is recognised for what it is. That is why we welcome everyone who comes to our shores for the dignity that belongs to them.''

He acknowledged their creativity and the contribution they had brought to our culture and economy and the sacrifices they made to ensure that their children were cherished in the same way.

Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry is a contributor to The Irish Times