Sir, - Bernard Skelton's letter of May 8th draws an analogy between the first cuckoo of summer and the arrival of international students to study in Ireland. No doubt Mr Skelton believes that he is being amusing. I feel that he is being intolerant. His portrayal of students, "I have just observed the first Spanish student of summer. . . sitting on the grass . . . rather too far from his natural feeding ground of McDonald's is unfair and perhaps reveals a prejudice that is becoming part of a problem in our society. As Ireland slowly becomes more multi-cultural it is extremely important that we examine our feelings towards non-nationals living in visiting our country. Mr Skelton's weak humour could even be construed as racism. - Yours etc.
O'Connell Ave., Dublin 7.