Madam, – The “hardening of attitude towards immigrants” in Ireland as reported (Front Page, November 24th) shows a slice of the attitudes of some Irish people that is out of sync with the modern realities of globalisation.
As an Irish student in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on international exchange from UCD, I am appalled and ashamed to be associated with a country that has such a vulgar disregard for foreigners living in Ireland. I am disgusted that a country which is regarded internationally as one of the most intellectually capable and astute countries in the world could have a blatant disrespect and intolerance of foreigners living on its island.
The Irish Times/Behaviour Attitudes opinion poll, “Ireland Today”indicates that many Irish people are inherently racist and foster an attitude that is unacceptable and intolerable in a globalised society.
Globalisation is a reality and it has an important role to play in every country in the world, including Ireland. It is heartbreaking and somewhat frightening that 72 per cent of the poll believe that there should be a reduction in the number of non-Irish immigrants living in Ireland.
Some Irish people are afraid of change and this is a problem that must be addressed sooner rather than later. Other countries are tolerant so why can’t Ireland be? Take for example Vancouver. According to the 2006 Census it has a visible “minority” of 41.7 per cent living in the city which is considerably higher than what currently exists in Dublin and in Ireland as a whole. People here live together cohesively and are genuinely respectful of the different nationalities that surround them. It is humbling as it represents a sense of global community and deference that does not exist in Ireland.
Ireland must therefore change so as not to be left behind. The fears and anticipation associated with the “global recession” should not overwhelm the importance of acceptance of a global society. It is necessary and is acutely relevant for the future. If ignored the reputation of Ireland will disintegrate substantially, too much to even contemplate. – Yours, etc,