Sir, – Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, responding to a motion put forward by the Rural Independent Group regarding immigration, called the group “despicable”, “cowardly” and “debased” (News, December 6th). Surely such a vehement reaction is uncalled for? Are not the representatives of the people, listening to, and acting for, their respective constituents? Are some subjects off limits? Open (and civil) discussion is precisely what’s needed around this topic, but what occurred in Leinster House on Wednesday had the appearance of an exercise in stifling debate on the serious issues surrounding immigration. All voices deserve to be heard. – Yours, etc,
PETER DECLAN O’HALLORAN,
Belturbet,
Co Cavan.
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Sir, – Michael McDowell is right that not talking about the scale of inward migration is risky (“Politicians losing touch with public opinion on thorny issue of migration”, Opinion & Analysis, December 6th).
When the census confirms that 35 per cent of the population of Dublin were born outside Ireland, it should be no surprise that the ethnic composition of the country is a topic of debate. – Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN DOHERTY,
Gaoth Dobhair,
Co Dhún na nGall.
Sir, – It would greatly help all our elected representatives to read Michael McDowell’s reasoned and balanced article. – Yours, etc,
PAUL TIERNEY,
Ballinamult,
Co Waterford.