Longford judge defends 'coloured people' comment

Anti-racism campaigners have attacked a Co Longford judge who suggested shopping centres would ban "coloured people" entering their premises if a spate of shoplifting did not stop.

There were calls for an apology from Judge John Neilan, who told two non-national women brought before him that they would be deported if they re-offended.

Asked whether he regretted making the remarks at Longford District Court, Judge Neilan was quoted in the Irish Independentas saying it was "outrageous and insulting" to suggest there was anything insidious about his comments.

To blame the whole community or visible groups for the action of a few is extremely offensive, as it contributes to stereotyping and feeds racism. Spokesman for the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism

A spokesman for the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism said Judge Neilan should make a public apology.

"I am extremely disappointed and offended, especially coming from a judge, to hear such comments," the spokesman told RTE.

"To blame the whole community or visible groups for the action of a few is extremely offensive, as it contributes to stereotyping and feeds racism.

"A judge actually asking people to prejudge something in the 21st century - that should not happen."

Judge Neilan's comments were reported in yesterday's Longford Leader.

"There are people in this State who have worked all of their lives and they don't, in their old-age pension, have the benefits these ladies have," he said.

"The majority of shopping centres in this District Court area will be putting a ban of access to coloured people if this type of behaviour does not stop...

"We give them dignity and respect, and the first thing they do is engage in criminal activity.

"All you are asked to do is conduct yourselves as any other citizen in this State. You have let your countrymen and women down, and it's just a pity that a few like you can malign so many."

Ms Aisling Reidy, director of the Irish Council of Civil Liberties, criticised the judge for defending himself today.

"Not only were the remarks from the judge reported quite extraordinary, but the fact that he doesn't see how offensive or insidious his comments are is all the more worrying," she said.

Ms Reidy said there was a need for a board to be set up to look over the conduct of judges.

PA