Sir, – Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s attempt to imply that Mary Lou McDonald had some unsavoury motive for pointing out the Government’s poor record on housing both Irish citizens and refugees is all too familiar (“McDonald and Martin clash over refugees”, News, October 26th ).
Anyone who dares step outside the establishment and NGO consensus on Ireland’s liberal policy on migrants and asylum seekers is deemed, at best, “populist” or, at worst, “racist”.
Ironically, in this instance there is no difference between Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin or even Fine Gael on this issue. Despite the recent Irish Times/Ipsos poll showing that 67 per cent of Sinn Féin, 62 per cent of Fianna Fáil and 59 per cent of Fine Gael voters are worried that too many refugees or migrants may come here, all three parties support unrestricted migration and asylum policies (“Concerns over meeting obligations to refugees”, News, July 15th).
Recent evidence from Europe and the US shows that when politicians blithely ignore ordinary voters’ concerns about uncontrolled immigration, it’s not long before someone comes along who doesn’t. – Yours, etc,
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KARL MARTIN,
Bayside,
Dublin 13.
A chara, – Contemplate for a moment the reality of losing your home overnight, your family being disbanded and on the run, and no idea of where to lay your head or get shelter and food for your children.
Whatever happens, we will have something to eat and a roof over our heads this winter.
To refuse refuge to the displaced and homeless would be unconscionable and a permanent stain on the reputation of Ireland whose refugees have been welcomed all over the world. – Yours, etc,
JOHN CRONIN,
Dublin 6W.