SEANAD REPORT:THE KIND of attack that had been made on immigrants in Northern Ireland could just as easily happen in the South, Labhrás Ó Murchú (FF) warned.

Referring to the racist attack on Romanian families in Belfast, he said it was alarming that more than 100 people had had to take refuge in a church because they feared for their lives. They had come under sustained, organised attack for a long period and it was only the luck of God that nobody had been killed.

Mr Ó Murchú said he saluted the neighbours who had come out on to the street in support of those under assault. “It took courage, and they also came under attack.” It was vital that this kind of thing was nipped in the bud.

“We must be aware this could just as easily happen in the South in socially deprived times. It is important that we show solidarity with the people who came out and with the agencies in the North while . . . remaining careful in any language we use to ensure we do not inflame passions.”

John Hanafin (FF) said the blaming of immigrants for the lack of jobs and opportunity was not a phenomenon unique to Northern Ireland. “It could happen here and has happened in the UK with the British National Party. We know from history that throughout Europe there has been a resurgence of the far right.”

Ronan Mullen (Ind) said the racist attacks in Belfast had yet again demonstrated that we had a long way to go before full respect for the dignity of the person was enjoyed by all members of society.

“They underline the need to promote values of tolerance at all levels,” he said.

Members paid tribute to Michael Howard, a former Fine Gael senator who died in February. Michael Howard had exemplified the kind of person ideally qualified to serve as a senator, Joe O’Toole (Ind ) said. He had represented his colleagues in the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland and had also been a voice for farmers. He had carried all those interests into the Seanad.

Seanad leader Donie Cassidy said he had found Mr Howard to be a remarkable individual who had given his all to the people he represented.

Fine Gael leader in the House Frances Fitzgerald recalled that at his funeral mourners heard that the counselling nurse sent to visit him after news of his illness had been assured that he had no fear of death, that it was an exam that he had prepared for all his life.