A chara, - I am appalled at the Australian government's treatment of the asylum-seekers on board the Norwegian ship near Australian waters. These people had been through such a traumatic time already - fleeing persecution in their own country, suffering a long and dangerous journey by sea and being shipwrecked - before being refused access. I find it incredible that the Australian government could be so lacking in human feeling.
And why is it pushing the "problem" into the hands of its neighbours when Australia is the country in this area most able to deal with such situations? With a country of 7,690,000 square kilometres, accepting thousands of young Irish and other wealthy nationalities every year, I cannot see how 400 asylum-seekers in desperate need could be so unacceptable.
Why is the Australian government behaving in this way? - Is mise,
Br∅d ╙g Norrby, Downings, Prosperous, Co Kildare.