Migration and asylum

Politics and public opinion

Sir, – Justine McCarthy’s piece is headlined “By caving in to protests about asylum seekers, the Government has torched its own principles” (Opinion & Analysis, January 12th). Would not a statement such as “Government finally listening to citizens’ concerns”, or “Government allays the fears of residents”, be less emotive, and give less oxygen to the far-right agitators? – Yours, etc,

PETER DECLAN O’HALLORAN,

Belturbet,

Co Cavan.

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Sir, – I was surprised to learn from Justine McCarthy’s recent opinion piece on immigration that she believes recent illegal immigration from Kurdistan and Vietnam into Ireland was driven by climate change, It must be getting serious if people are emigrating to Ireland for the weather. Has anyone thought to warn our own Irish emigrants to Australia? – Yours, etc,

PHILIP WHEATLEY,

Bray,

Co Wicklow.