Sir, - I refer to Paul Cullen's report (The Irish Times, May 22nd) on a submission by the Immigration Control Platform to the current review of Irish Aid.
For this body to suggest that the spending of State funds on anti-racism activities is a subversion of democracy is outrageous nonsense. The truth is that racism, one of the greatest threats to civilised living and Christian values, presents a real and serious challenge to the very principles of democracy.
Our State has been far too tardy in taking meaningful steps to root out this pernicious cancer, which, recent polls suggest, is on the increase in "Ireland of the Welcomes".
I would go further and say that certain Government attitudes may have sent out signals that asylum-seekers and refugees are less than welcome here. It is most heartening, therefore, to note that a reputable organisation such as Comhlamh, which is in receipt of State funding, is involving itself in a campaign against racism and xenophobia.
It would be strange if it did not take a stand against these evils, considering that for over 25 years it has been the voice of "development workers in global solidarity". Its members have made valuable and significant contributions to the furtherance of international understanding and goodwill.
Comhlamh deserves congratulations, rather than castigation, for its humanitarian work at home and abroad.
The weird notion that those opposing racism should not get State funding unless the counter argument gets equal funding seems to suggest that racism is a rational and reasonable choice, rather than the base and irrational prejudice which it is. To give credence to such a warped hypothesis would be a first step on the road to anarchy.
May we please know how many members the Immigration Control Platform represents, what its aims and objectives are, and who are its elected officers? - Yours, etc.,
L.G. Kilgallen, Crosthwaite Park South, Dun Laoghaire.