Madam, – During this economic crisis in Ireland, I hear both young and middle-aged people say they would emigrate to North America or Australia if they qualified and were accepted. As a person who emigrated from Ireland in the early 1970s, I would advise these people to be aware of the major upheaval and adjustments that are required in their lives if they emigrate from Ireland.
At the time of the Great Hunger in Ireland and in all other desperate times since then, it has been beneficial for the government and the establishment to have people emigrate and relieve the “burden” of the unemployed and make the country’s balance sheet look better. Make no mistake, Ireland is your country and as much your birthright as any other Irish-born person. Your parents and forefathers worked and paid taxes in Ireland; it’s your country. Maybe you should not give up on it so easily, particularly if you are married with a young family.
Do not allow yourself to be forced into emigration by someone who has no real experience of it. This is not some wonderful adventure you will return from and tell all your friend about. – Yours, etc,