Sir, - I was very heartened to read Fintan O'Toole's article (Opinion, August 7th) dealing with the refugee issue. His contribution was a welcome beacon of reason in a debate marred by hysteria and racialism in other national newspapers. The growing levels of xenophobia in "Ireland of the Welcomes" seems to be linked to a niggardly approach when sharing our material success. It is a far cry from the 1980s when our country was bled by waves of emigration both to Europe and further afield.
The 1980s also witnessed a Joint Declaration again Racism and Xenophobia made by the European Parliament, the European Council and the member states of the EU. That declaration, signed at Strasbourg on June 11th 1986, condemns intolerance and hostility on the grounds of racial, religious, cultural, social or national differences. The member states resolved to protect the dignity of all persons, to alert citizens to the dangers of racism and xenophobia, and to take all necessary steps to guarantee that the principles of the declaration be carried out. A similar declaration was made concerning fundamental rights at Luxembourg on May 5th 1977, stressing the prime importance attached by the European Parliament, European Council and European Commission to the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
In the current climate of intolerance the Irish people should consider whether or not we have the courage to honour international declarations made in our name or whether or not we are a nation of hypocrites. - Yours, etc., Brendan Gogarty,
Loman Street,
Trim,
Co Meath.