Madam, - In light of the ongoing controversy in France over the wearing of the hijab by Muslim girls, it is time we in Ireland had an open and honest debate about immigration. Rarely is the topic discussed in the media except by those with a vested interest, such as lawyers, or people who who work for refugees and asylum-seekers.
Most of our elected representatives seem to shy away from the subject - and if they are forced into an answer they will almost invariably mouth some platitudes about multiculturalism and follow up with the now obligatory line that immigration is an unquestioned good.
But do the majority of Irish people believe this is the case? Are they convinced that the arrival of thousands of Africans and Asians will bring only good things to Ireland? Or do they believe that having ethnic and religious minorities will create problems?
Do they see a competition for scarce resources, medical care, housing, jobs and school places? Do they worry about ethnic strife, the likes of which has occurred in England and the Continent?
If the people of Ireland do share some of these fears and if some of our public figures also have similar concerns, why are we not hearing these voices? The most logical answer is fear - fear of being labelled a racist by those who will brook no criticism of the multicultural line.
The term racist is possibly the most powerful and feared word in today's political lexicon and only the bravest of souls would willingly expose themselves to that charge.
By assuming that most people are afraid of being labelled a racist, the advocates of a multicultural Ireland are monopolising the debate.
It is time the voices of all the Irish people were heard in an open and honest discussion. - Yours, etc.,
TREVOR TROY, Connaught Place, Athboy, Co Meath.