Sir, - Why should Travellers expect to be exempt from criticism? People should be able to express their views without being accused of "racism" if they don't agree with Martin Mongan (August 19th). It is such an emotive term.
I would like these questions answered:
Why should any group be allowed to camp illegally at will on beauty sites, industrial estates, farmers' lands, Coillte property? Why should all the filth, dirt and litter be the responsibility of local authorities and not the dumpers?
Why are so many allocated Traveller sites in such a disgraceful condition? The Ballyogan site, just minutes from the million pound houses in Foxrock, is just one example. With its burnt-out houses, stripped tiled roofs and general state of decay, it raises the question: why should any group of tenants be allowed to treat their surroundings like this? Or is it a fact that what you get for nothing is never appreciated?
Why do Travellers expect the majority of citizens in this country to support them on welfare for all of their lives? With unemployment so low, and jobs, many unskilled, still waiting to be filled, why are they not contributing towards the general good?
Most settled people would have far more respect for Travellers if they saw them genuinely demanding their rights. Education is a must but schools can't travel, so some sacrifices have to be made.
The antique dealers, tarmacadam experts and scrap-metal dealers should pay their share of taxes and declare how they legally afford their four-wheel drives, Volvos and Hiace vans. Finally, the emotional, physical slavery of children made to beg on street corners should be stopped. Respect has to be earned. It is not a right. Perhaps then the settled and unsettled in our society would have more tolerance for each other. - Yours, etc.
Mary Gardiner, Delgany, Co Wicklow.