Sir, - I note that Aine Ni Chonaill (September 23rd) is still pushing her racist views despite being comprehensively rejected by the electorate in Cork South West in last June's election. Her call to deport new-born babies and her assumption to know the thoughts of everyone in all "multicultural countries" may seem bizarre, but her letter also contains serious factual innaccuracies.
The reason that the French and German governments have introduced draconian anti-immigrant and deportation policies is because of the political pressure applied by neo-Nazi groups and the pogroms these groups have organised against refugees. The current high level of electoral support for Le Pen's Front National in France is directly due to its anti-refugee rhetoric and policies. The fact is that the activities of racist and Nazi groups throughout Europe have lead directly to physical assaults on, and in many cases the murder of, refugees - a situation we are determined to prevent developing in Ireland.
Refugees have fled from their own countries, leaving behind families, homes, jobs, etc. because their lives are in danger. All refugees are temporarily displaced people and desire to return to their homelands, but cannot because of the threat to their safety or lives.
The racist views propounded by Ms Ni Chonaill can only exacerbate the current anti-refugee feeling in Ireland and encourage racists to mount hate campaigns against black people and other non-nationals residents here. - Yours, etc.,
From Brian Hanley
Anti Fascist Action, Dublin 7.