Arson attack on Galway hotel

A chara, – As a proud Galwegian, I hang my head in shame at the torching of the Ross Lake House hotel. – Is mise,

JOSEPH TUMMON,

Galway.

A chara, – The suspected arson attack on Ross Lake House hotel in Rosscahill represents yet another reprehensible attempt to prevent the State from accommodating asylum seekers in accordance with its international obligations.

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It also potentially represents a further attempt by a small group of extremists to override the stated policy of the elected Government of the country; an undermining of the authority of the State.

In contrast to the recent riots in Dublin, where the gardaí were apparently caught flat footed despite it being obvious to everyone else that serious disruption was likely following the knife attack, Garda leadership does not appear to be under scrutiny following this incident.

Given that there has been a pattern of arson attacks on premises intended to house international protection applicants, it must be asked what kind of security was in place at Ross Lake House hotel. Were any gardaí stationed there permanently? Even one or two as a deterrent?

If not, then does this not represent yet another failure of operational readiness and intelligence, and naivety on the part of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris? – Is mise,

DAVE McGINN,

Naas,

Co Kildare.

A chara, – Domestic terrorists have burned a restored former hotel to prevent it being used to house asylum seekers.

Local politicians with an insight into the thinking of the arsonists cite fear of the unknown as an explanation for this criminality.

The asylum process establishes facts in relation to those who seek asylum here and, as such, the people to be accommodated in Ros Cathail would have been subjected to more scrutiny than people moving into the area from Dublin or Mayo.

Wilful ignorance, whether feigned or genuine, is no basis for policy. Unfortunately, there will always be those with no interest in solutions who look to divide people for short-term political gain. – Is mise,

DÁITHÍ Mac CÁRTHAIGH,

Abhcóide le Dlí/ Barrister-at-Law,

Idirghabhálaí/Mediator,

(Harvard).