ADRIAN WHITE,
Sir, - I came to live in Ireland in 1990 largely because I did not wish to live in the type of society created by Margaret Thatcher. Ireland was a genuine alternative; this was where I chose to make a home for my family and also make a contribution to Irish society.
The recent series of arrests and deportations of people deemed to be illegal immigrants has filled me with a deep shame at what Ireland has become. Dawn raids on pregnant women that leave their children alone in the house (as happened recently in Galway) and the case in Limerick reported in your edition of July 26th are the kind of military operations that should be reserved for the most serious criminal offences.
Perhaps the Government feels after the general election that it has a mandate for this action and the silent acquiescence of the Irish people will only serve to support this notion.
I would ask everybody who shares my shame and anger to register their objection at any opportunity. - Yours, etc.,
ADRIAN WHITE, Blackhall Square, Dublin 7.