Sir, – Thanks are due to Melanie Verwoerd for her lucid piece on the wider implications of Ryanair’s Afrikaans test for South African passport-holders (“Ryanair’s Afrikaans test blunder damages Irish image in eyes of South Africans”, Opinion, June 9th).
The test should be withdrawn immediately. It sets a terrible precedent in other situations since variations on this theme are all too easy to imagine.
A Russian language test for Ukrainian refugees springs to mind. The excuse of the existence of fake passports doesn’t stand up to even momentary consideration.
I remain amazed by the silence of the Government and indeed Opposition parties in response to Ryanair’s disgraceful behaviour. It seems there is a lack of appreciation of how damaging the blatant racism of this plainly ridiculous test has been to the reputation of Ireland around the world.
What is the National Gallery’s scanner that cost €125,000 and what would it be used for?
‘We grew up Irish Catholic’: How Nicola Coughlan got raunchy Bridgerton scenes cut
The Last Showgirl review: Pamela Anderson has found the right role at the right time
‘I’m 50 this year and feel a bit like a teenager with my problem. My best friend has fallen in love’
– Yours, etc,
ADRIAN GUELKE
Belfast.
