Sir, - Damien Flinter (November 12th) makes a valid point when he suggests that the current influx of economic refugees have aspirations not unlike those Irish who sought a better life by leaving their native land for foreign shores. History has proven that many of our forefathers, who were displaced by economic deprivation, not only flourished but contributed enormously to the prosperity of their adopted lands.
It is comforting to hear from those among us who have the foresight to realise the potential of encouraging the ingestion of such a vital human resource. By combining the untapped talents of the refugee pool with the proven enthusiastic capabilities of the native Irish, and by using the present prosperity of the Celtic tiger economy as a catalyst, Ireland can achieve the distinction of becoming the America of the 21st century. - Yours, etc.,
Edward D. Rafferty, Grattan Terrace, Grogans Road, Wexford.