Sir, - I write to you in response to the increasing racism that has become painfully evident in recent weeks, and was brought again to my attention by coverage in the English press while I was in Sheffield recently. Nauseating verbal and physical racist attacks are already ruining the Irish reputation for warmth and hospitality. Now that the economy is prospering and we are able to support people who seek refuge, we should open our hearts completely. We should not forget the acceptance with which Irish emigrants were greeted in the new countries they arrived in. Many continue to leave these shores for Europe, Australia and North America, and can expect to make a decent living there, unthreatened. If ever there was a country, a people to welcome those in need, it is this country, our people.
I implore everyone to let others share in the opportunities we now enjoy. As a country only recently experiencing immigration we have a unique chance to learn from the mistakes and poor example set by policy-makers in other north European countries and truly make coming here a positive experience for others who have been forced to leave their homes. As well as calling for the legislation required to counter racist crimes, we should be doing all we can to ensure that no one should has to walk down the street in fear. Rather than "accept" or "tolerate" newcomers, country, we should celebrate the diversity that Ireland's prosperity has invited and, wherever we can, lend a hand to those who need it. Please, please tackle this malaise that is racism before others suffer while we hang our heads in shame. - Yours, etc.,
Brian Garvey, Ballyrath Road, Armagh.