Sir, - A timely and most welcome letter from the ladies of the Justice Mercy Office (December 12th). President Clinton in his brief speech on the same day thanked Ireland for all the people Ireland gave America over a long number of years. Perhaps in many years to come a Taoiseach of Ireland too will be able to thank many countries whose nationals have arrived here seeking asylum, refuge, employment etc.
Let us welcome them and give them an opportunity to put their skills to good use - rewarding for them and us - particularly at a time when there is an acute shortage of labour in a fast growing economy. It is souldestroying for any human being to be idle day after day. Of course rules and regulations are necessary but surely work on a temporary or contractual basis is miles better than no work at all. Politicians, employers, teachers, members of the clergy, in fact all of us can make a difference to the lives of asylum seekers in Ireland by our positive words and deeds. Thank you Mr President for your kind words about our Irish emigrants of yesterday. - Yours, etc.,
Mary Toomey, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co Dublin.