JOHN SHEEDY,
Madam, - I write to lend my emphatic support to Fintan O'Toole's views on asylum- seekers (Opinion, November 5th). I am embarrassed at, and ashamed of, Michael McDowell's merciless decision to preserve the integrity of our immigration policy with no exceptions, regardless of the merits of any individual case.
While there will always be individuals or families whose basis for application may be dubious or bogus, there are, unquestionably, instances which compellingly demand a humane and compassionate response from the Minister. I do not believe that the Minister's uncompromising attitude in this matter to be representative of the Irish people, who will not turn a deaf ear to someone in patent need.
I appeal to his better instincts and ask that he be open to listen to the relative handful of people who may rely on him, and on us, to rescue them in circumstances in which to refuse them would put them in peril or impose severe hardship on them. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN SHEEDY,
Pine Valley Park,
Dublin 16.