Sir, - I attended the Racism in Ireland conference in November, 1997, and wanted to put pen to paper ever since. I was disappointed then that no reference at all was made to the situation of refugees in the inner city. My own experience of racism was during the 1980s, while working for several years on an inter-racial project in the Tchula region of the Mississippi Delta. I got used to being called a "nigger lover" by white residents. You learn to smile and bear it. Right now I'm very worried about what is happening in this deprived part of the city with respect to refugees.
Let me put it simply. Someone is going to die soon and few out there seem to give a damn. I see a growing resentment that refugees are getting help not available to local folk. Add to this the huge stress on housing and other resources. Many people hereabouts feel that they are losing out. If we really want to help refugees, which I for one do, then why not spread the load? Why dump - I use the word advisedly - most refugees in the inner city? This area already has so many problems. Why not let other areas of Dublin share the load?
The arguments about our proximity to city services, etc, are simply a cop-out. I've seen far better facilities and amenities in areas such as Dundrum and Howth than you'll ever find in Ballybough, Summerhill or the North Strand. Can someone give me the statistics? How many refugees are housed in wealthier areas? This country can cope with more refugees if we really want to, but I'm tired of lip-service. If we give a damn about refugees, then let's do this thing right. Let's all face up and do our full and fair share. For I believe that otherwise it will soon be too late.
I've lost count of the number of times I've heard racist remarks while walking these streets. The reason I pen this now is that five minutes ago I saw an African refugee getting pelted with fruit. No big deal, people might think. I keep telling myself that the situation will improve. Wishful thinking on my part, I guess. I grew up here. This is my home. Ballybough folk are the best in the world, and they are under great stress.
It has never been easy living here. Let's face it, the Celtic Tiger economy has bypassed this area, yet it is expected to cope with increased psycho-social demands, with no additional services. It's time to get real. Local kids don't have places to play. They get bored. And bored kids tend to get into trouble.
If and when someone dies, will John O'Donoghue be willing to take his share of the blame, or will he plead zero responsibility? The truth is, we will all be as much to blame as the perpetrator who throws the first fire bomb or sticks in the knife. We still have time to do this right, but very little time. -Yours, etc., Pat Reid,
Ballybough, Dublin 3.