Madam, - Jim Heron (July 24th) seems to be under the impression that the citizenship referendum discriminated against black and coloured people. But it affected all non-nationals who are not permanently resident in this country. Their colour was not an issue.
And there is nothing "racist" about protecting our citizenship as does every other European country.
Citizenship of a country is like membership of a family. Being a citizen involves responsibilities as well as rights. Therefore it is inappropriate for persons who have no attachment or commitment to a country to be automatically accorded citizenship. Those who have been living in the country for some time and intend to continue living here do have a commitment (of whatever sort), and these have not been refused the right to citizenship.
As for what Mr Terreblanche thinks of our decision, that is his problem. - Yours, etc.,
MÁIRE BYRNE, Cork Street, Dublin 8.