Sir, - I find it extraordinary, and deeply worrying, that there should be such a striking contrast between the media coverage of the comments on asylum-seekers by Liz O'Donnell, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, and those of Ivor Callely TD.
In substance, Mr Callely said the existing law should be rigorously enforced in respect of those whose claims to asylum are unfounded - i.e., that they should be deported. He is surely right in this, because any other approach would be tantamount to sanctioning immigration by self-selection, and would give the bogus asylum-seeker the same status as the genuine refugee who fled his homeland in fear of his life. Yet Mr Callely is virtually under siege from hostile media, while Ms O'Donnell basks in their uncritical approval.
Callely expressed his views robustly - but so did O'Donnell in describing Government policy as a "shambles". Why did she not describe Government health policy as a "shambles", when the services were disrupted by the industrial action of nurses, and where the possible consequences might have been far more serious?
It seems to me that debate is being suppressed on the spurious grounds that a frank analysis of the present situation might stir up racism. Instead of debate there are slogans and name-calling. The Immigration Control Platform can't hold a public meeting for fear of disorder. It is hard to fathom the rational basis for opposition to the principle that Irish public authorities should regulate immigration into the country. What is the policy of those who wave placards with the inscription "no deportations"? - Yours, etc.,
John O'Callaghan, Lakelands Avenue, Upper Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.