Sir, - May I respond to Rosemary Rooney (November 26th) by suggesting that it would be wise not to speak for God. If we seriously bring God into this debate, then I am more than happy to give the shirt off my back to anyone (irrespective of their nationality) in need. He would expect me to do just that because "it is more blessed to give than to receive".
Just three decades ago many Irish professionals (economic migrants) were very glad of the opportunities that came their way in a number of African countries which became independent. At a time of unemployment in Ireland, many Irish teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers and even some of the Christian/Catholic missionaries were on the payroll of those African governments. A number of them had lucrative contracts - comfortable dwellings for the expatriate staff, African boys and girls for domestic work, various allowances including home leave and return air tickets.
While I acknowledge the tireless work of many noble Irish people who worked voluntarily in many parts of Africa, I sincerely believe that it is not right to forget - and so quickly too - that a great deal of African money made its way into Ireland. In a sense the Irish "empire" was built on American, British, Australian and (last but not least) African wealth.
Let us also reflect on the days when many Irish economic emigrants were attracted to the British welfare state. Whatever about the 1950s and 1960s, the late 1980s surely do not belong to the distant past!
Furthermore, the Irish are not alone in their contributions to other parts of the world over the centuries. Asians and Africans have long given of their best under difficult conditions to the shaping of some prosperous nations of the world, particularly America, Britain and of course modern Europe. They continue to do so. As a naturalised Irish citizen of Asian origin, I am singularly proud of the success of the Asian immigrants in Britain and their enormous contribution directly to their adopted nation and indirectly to the European Community. The European money which flows into the Irish coffers could be described as multicoloured - black, brown, white, yellow and so on.
Instead of finding ways to oust all those who arrive here, or humiliating them by using ill-chosen words, or frightening the poor and the vulnerable of our own communities, Ireland can through constructive policies utilise their skills and help them to become contributors to our society, just as Britain has finally learned to do. The transition from British Empire to a successful, colourful and enjoyable multicultural society has been protracted and arduous, but there are valuable lessons to be learnt. - Yours, etc., Mary Toomey,
Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co Dublin.