Sir, - I read with utter horror the letter from Ann Marie O'Connor (June 6th) in which she labels Mr/Ms A. McCabe a racist. Admittedly, Mr/Ms McCabe's letter contained certain references to immigration and social welfare policies (in America) that do not correspond with the mind set of the average Irish citizen, but it certainly didn't deserve such an acerbic and blatant labelling of racism.
Accusing someone of promoting racism, simply because they have aired their (unpopular) opinions in a public forum, is tantamount to having accused a woman of being a witch in Salem, Massachusetts in the 17th century! As unpalatable as it may seem, the Irish should take a few lessons in "free speech" from the very people we so often vilify. - Yours, etc., Edward D. Rafferty,
Wexford,
Co. Wexford.