Meddling with citizenship

Are there two different types of citizens in this country?

Sir, – Conor Gallagher’s interesting article raises some serious questions (“New system for stripping Irish citizenship from naturalised immigrants to come into force this year”, News, January 1st). This Government seems to have no problem removing rights from people and fails to understand the meaning of the word “inalienable”. Are there two different types of citizens in this country? One native born that cannot be stripped of citizenship and another of lesser value that is subject to such a penalty? Is this not an insult to all citizens? Especially to the vast majority of immigrants to this country who lead peaceful, productive lives. Will they now have to watch their step in case they fall foul of the law? These rights and others are not the gift of governments to give and take at their whim. Who is to say what right is the next to be taken from citizens? – Yours, etc,

WALTER MEEHAN,

Killiney,

Co Dublin.