Sir, - The politically correct and particularly our nascent race relations industry really do have a brass neck. You report (The Irish Times, May 29th) on the draft "anti-racism protocol" and "anti-racism declaration of intent" that the National Consultative Committee on racism and Interculturalism wishes parties and electoral candidates to sign.
It is noteworthy that the words "racist" and "racism" are given full legitimacy, while on a list of factors such as colour, nationality, etc., the word "race" alone is graced with quotation marks, implying that it is not really a legitimate term. This, of course, derives from the current mantra of these people: "There is only one race: the human race." Hence the quotation marks.
The NCCRI and its like wish to be able to throw around the terms "racist" and "racism" with abandon while the term "race", on which the other two are based, is to be deprived of legitimacy. Orwellian stuff, but no more than one has come to expect. Illegal is another word which usually gets the quotation mark treatment from this lobby.
The real reason they want an anti-racism declaration, of course, is to effectively close down debate on one of the most crucial political issues for this country, not just since the foundation of the State but in its entire history. Asking someone to sign such a thing is akin to putting the classic question: "Have you stopped beating your wife yet?" It should be refused as having the same illegitimacy. - Yours, etc.
Aine Ni Chonaill, PRO, Immigration Control Platform, Dublin 2.