Madam, - It was with some disgust but little surprise that I read the comments of Olivia Mitchell TD in response to your survey of Irish young people as reported on September 20th.
She claims that as a result of the growing multicultural nature of our society, that young women, being more attracted to exotic foreigners, are exposing themselves to all sorts of STDs. Creating and manipulating fears and anxieties founded on prejudice and ignorance has become a skilfully used ploy among some of our politicians and media.
Ms. Mitchell's comments are just another example, in the context of a story in which she could have explored many of the complex issues raised by the survey. Yet, she went for the easy target of blaming "the other" in society. Ms. Mitchell's retreat into the language of them and us is to be regretted.
I had understood that our politicians had agreed to codes of conduct on such matters. These codes are of no use unless they are enforced by our political leaders.
Mr. Enda Kenny should use this opportunity to prove his own credentials for courageous leadership and display publicly his intolerance for such irresponsible comments from a member of his parliamentary party. - Yours, etc.,
BRIAN RUANE, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin