BRENDAN ARCHBOLD,
Madam, - I couldn't help a rueful smile at Prof Kadar Asmal's defence of the ANC (January 22nd).
The good professor describes President Mbeki's speech as being "positive and reconciliatory" and the African National Congress as an "inclusive" organisation. He goes on to champion the ANC "alliance with . . . the Congress of South African Trade Unions".
Well, positive, reconciliatory and inclusive it may be in Pretoria, but here in Dublin the South African Embassy still refuses to recognise Mandate in its efforts to represent Irish workers in its employment.
The Dunnes Stores strike against apartheid (1984-1987) appears to be long-forgotten by our erstwhile comrade in South Africa. For Mary Manning and her colleagues, however (and for many others in Ireland and elsewhere), it remains as an example of real solidarity, the kind that is not diminished by time or distance.
The Minister appears to have a short memory. Shame on you, Minister. - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN ARCHBOLD, National Official, Mandate (The Union of
Retail, Bar and Administrative Workers), Dublin 1.