Sir, - Having recently returned to Ireland after an absence of some months, I am surprised and dismayed by the escalating intolerance shown by many of my fellow countrymen towards asylum seekers and refugees.
Is this island of erstwhile "saints and scholars" bidding to be known as the island of racists and xenophobes? Already, damaging articles are appearing in overseas newspapers. The attempted burning of the hotel in Clogheen and the report of the violent attack on a Dublin shop make particularly chilling news, reminding me of events in mainland Europe in which innocent people were tragically killed.
It is time for strong moral leadership by Government and opposition parties. It is pathetic to watch this pressing humanitarian issue being used to score cheap political points - the old story of Rome burning while Nero fiddles. Is it not time for those in positions of moral authority throughout the country to stand up and be counted - civic leaders, local politicians, clergy, teachers, trade unionists, etc. - to counteract the warped utterances of a minority of little Hitlers, who are whipping up a climate of hate and mistrust for their own questionable ends?
As education is the antidote to ignorance, from which so much fear and intolerance springs, the time is surely ripe for a comprehensive Government education programme to highlight the evils of intolerance, mistrust, racism, xenophobia and bad citizenship. I also hope that special programmes are being prepared for schools so that the next generation of adult Irish may face confidently and comfortably into a future in which pluralism, multiculturalism, tolerance and respect for all - regardless of race, colour, creed and gender - is the norm.
It is time too for some sections of our media to take a look at themselves, to ensure that they do not inflame the present situation by intemperate and sensational reporting. A heavy burden of responsibility rests on journalists in such matters. Unfortunately, there are some who do not seem to realise this, or who do not care about the consequences.
Ireland's international standing and reputation is at stake. The whole world knows that we have been wholesale exporters of political and economic refugees for centuries. Thank heavens that our current economic situation has arrested that haemorrhage, but how can we retain any semblance of credibility if we now savage those who come to our shores seeking sanctuary and asylum?
Nor must we forget that much of our present prosperity came about as a result of our dexterity with the poor mouth and the begging-bowl.
Even if we did not have legally binding international obligations, we would have compelling moral obligations to treat all immigrants, asylum-seekers and refugees arriving here with respect, fair play and compassion. If this not what is happening then we can only be seen as a nation of hambugs and hypocrites. - Yours, etc.,
Gearoid Kilgallen, Crosthwaite Park South, Dun Laoghaire.
