Sir, - Aine Ni Chonaill would have us apply the label "criminal" to illegal immigrants (June 26th). If we are to apply labels, there are other terms which more accurately describe the situation of the people trying to come to this country from places such as Eastern Europe or Africa. These people are victims - victims of, for example, the long-term effects of the economic madness in Ceaucescu's Romania. Or they are victims of economic collapse in African countries that have been plundered by their own "leaders".
When they arrive in Ireland, immigrants from places other than Western Europe and North America become victims of a slow and unsympathetic bureaucracy and, increasingly, victims of racial abuse and attacks as they go about their daily lives.
Aine Ni Chonaill should note that in many places the label "criminal" is applied to another group which is far more threatening to society - those who incite racial hatred. - Yours, etc., Dr Colm Stephens,
Slievenamon Road, Dublin 12.