Sir, - Intriguing though I find Aine Ni Chonaill's proposal for Ireland to become a racially pure island enclave (September 23rd), to describe us as "the laughing stock of Europe" is unfair. Most Europeans of conscience would not laugh at our small-mindedness, racism and vindictive hypocrisy towards asylum seekers and refugees.
Ms Ni Chonaill is also convinced that "no country . . . which has gone down the multi-racial, multicultural road would not turn back the clock if it could." Many countries have political parties, such as the British National Party, which advocate this turning-back of the clock. The fact that none of these has yet been voted into power proves her conviction unfounded. - Yours, etc.,
Eustace Street, Dublin 2.