Sir, - The term "racist" has lost all its meaning. Chambers Dictionary defines racism as "hatred, rivalry or bad feeling between races; belief in the inherent superiority of some races over others". Can Martin Collins of Pavee Point explain why he attributed "racist opinions" to Michael Cahill, chairman of the Southern Health Board (The Irish Times, March 23rd)?
It really is stretching credibility to suggest that Irish Travellers, with names such as Ward, O'Driscoll and Sheridan, are anything other than Irish. They have a different lifestyle to other Irish people; nevertheless, they are Irish.
What Michael Cahill might be accused of, if anything, is discrimination or prejudice - certainly not racism.
Some of your correspondents in your Letters page freely use the term "racist" against anyone who dares to question some refugees or their lifestyles. The word racism has now no meaning except in so far as it represents something offensive. - Yours, etc.,
Michael O`Donnell, Ard Bhaile, Old Youghal Road, Cork.