AENGUS O SNODAIGH,
A chara, - In his Irishman's Diary of January 31st, Kevin Myers writes: "where Sinn Féin polls well today is where racism will be worst tomorrow".
Let me make Sinn Féin's position absolutely clear so that even Kevin Myers will understand. We oppose racism, sectarianism and bigotry in any form and are to the forefront of campaigns to tackle such narrow-minded views. We believe that the Government's policy towards refugees and asylum-seekers encourages rather than eliminates racism. We contend that all asylum-seekers should have the right to work and study while their applications are being processed.
Sinn Féin believes that as Ireland becomes a more multicultural country, the challenge is to embrace our growing diversity as a source of strength and opportunity. To do this we must begin by opposing racism, discrimination and intolerance wherever it occurs. And we adopt this approach locally and nationally and indeed within our own party
Any member of Sinn Féin who makes racist remarks or is involved in any activity, which is racist, will be immediately expelled from the party. - Is mise,
AENGUS Ó SNODAIGH,
Sinn Féin,
Dublin South Central,
Marrowbone Lane,
Dublin 8.